Pay
Bill would forbid VA executive bonuses for five years
The House unanimously approved legislation that would impose a five-year ban on performance bonuses for Senior Executive Service employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Retirement
Army investigators issue warning about fraudulent website
Army investigators are alerting service members about a web-based scam that offers bogus benefits to falsely obtain access to soldiers' email accounts, online passwords and other information.
Pay
Suspension of uncontrollable overtime draws fire
Several federal employee groups are lashing out against a Department of Homeland Security decision to suspend the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime (AUO) for some employees, including component headquarters personnel and full-time training instructors.
Employee Policy
Insight by Mike Causey: What's your excuse?
We (almost) all make mistakes. It happens. So, when you mess up big-time, what's your excuse? Do you have a favorite wiggle word or phrase to explain why something you did, were supposed to do or something you suggested went bad? Sort of an adult version of "the dog ate my homework"?
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "Is there anything a retired CSRS employee should first consider before getting a job in the private sector? "
Employee Policy
Hiring freeze lifted at Weather Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration acting Director Kathryn Sullivan announced that the National Weather Service would lift a hiring freeze and training ban which critics claimed had left the service dangerously understaffed.
Benefits
Labor leader says fight will continue against proposed FECA change
The head of the National Treasury Employees Union said her group would keep on fighting legislative efforts that would result in cuts to federal workers’ compensation insurance payments for some beneficiaries.
Retirement
Informed Investor: Understanding TSP contribution limits: Part I
The Internal Revenue Code limits how much employees can contribute annually to qualified retirement plans and to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The first of two columns discussing the elective deferral limit discusses the consequences of an employee’s reaching the limit before the last pay date of 2014.
Retirement
Number of retirement-eligible feds rising sharply
By late 2017, about a third of career federal employees will be eligible to retire, according to the Government Accountability Office—and many experts are concerned about the potential loss of too many hands.
Retirement
Early outs and buyouts offered at EPA
Some employees at the Environmental Protection Agency will be notified of their eligibility for an early retirement offer and buyouts.
Nextgov
Sham 'My Army Benefits' Site May Have Stolen Soldiers' Credentials
The unofficial site purports to offer soldiers unclaimed and accumulated financial assistance.
Management
How Agencies Can Change Behavior in Today’s Digital World
How government leaders can activate a social network in a cluttered digital environment.
Oversight
Two Democrats File Complaint Against Watchdog for Handling of IRS Probe
Reps. Cummings, Connolly seek IG council review of “misleading” work by Bush appointee.
Management
Postal Service Shows Improvement, But Still Loses $350 million in First Quarter of Fiscal 2014
Increases in package delivery and workforce cuts have helped the agency's bottom line.
Pay & Benefits
Democrats Set Trap for Republicans on Veterans Benefits
Both parties are racing to reverse $6 billion in military retirements cuts, but first they plan to trade plenty of partisan blows.
Management
Setting Too Many Stretch Goals Can Backfire on Managers
Bad things can happen to overachievers.
Defense
What We Know About the Reported Plane Hijacking During the Sochi Opening Ceremony
Plane, diverted to Istanbul, originated in Ukraine; Turkish forces reportedly have subdued hijacker.
Management
Watchdog: Uncle Sam Has Trouble Keeping Track of His Property
GAO says agency focus on buildings has short-changed reporting on other federal assets.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Retirements Surge in January
OPM processes fewer claims than it had projected.
Nextgov