Management
Labor Authority Seeks Comments on What Happens With Existing Union Contracts During Negotiations for New Ones
The Agriculture Department asked FLRA to clarify whether collective bargaining agreements that are renewed on a short-term basis while unions and management negotiate a new contract are subject to legal review by agency heads.
Nextgov
VA’s Artificial Intelligence Director Details AI Institute’s Early Efforts
The center laying the groundwork for public/private partnerships to accelerate budding projects.
Pay & Benefits
A Paycheck Foul-Up, and Changes to TSP Catch-Up Contributions
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Warren Pledges Major Overhaul of Federal Hiring and Ethics Laws
The Democratic presidential contender pledges to use executive branch experience to rebuild the civil service.
Route Fifty
Proposed Missouri Bill Targeting Children’s Books Could Land Librarians in Jail
A bill proposing parental review boards to identify “inappropriate” sexual material in children’s books would impose hefty fines—or even jail time—on librarians who don’t comply with their decisions.
Management
The No. 1 Obstacle to Great Workplace Culture
Cultures that are controlling or indifferent to people are often the culprit behind rising stress, job burnout and loneliness.
Nextgov
Treasury Wants Better Information on Financial Entities’ Cybersecurity Practices
A department official says expanded data collection powers would enable it to “advocate” for companies with other agencies.
Management
The IRS Decided to Get Tough Against Microsoft. Microsoft Got Tougher.
For years, the company has moved billions in profits to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes. When the IRS pushed it to pay, Microsoft protested that the agency wasn’t being nice. Then it aggressively fought back in court, lobbied Congress and changed the law.
Management
Pentagon Wants to Build One Satellite Per Week
Over the next two years, the Space Development Agency is looking to put dozens of satellites into orbit.
Management
Career Employees Allege EPA Leaders Silenced Them on Key Deregulation Effort
Two offices will review the allegations for potential further investigation and discipline.
Nextgov
Inside the CBP-Built ‘Backbone’ of Atlanta’s Biometric Terminal
An executive agency conducting a comprehensive assessment of the technology’s use in aviation security detailed its recent review of America’s first fully biometric terminal—and the service it runs on.
Pay & Benefits
Merit Board Offers Advice to Fix Reskilling Program That Hasn't Translated to Any New Job Placements
A pilot program to train some non-IT workers with technology skills has not resulted in anyone switching jobs, largely because participants would have needed to take a pay cut.
Nextgov
Pentagon Issues JEDI Task Order for Training
The $1 million task order signals the Pentagon wants to move forward with JEDI.
Nextgov
Lawmakers Urge FTC to Investigate Aggregator’s Collection and Sale of Americans’ Financial Data
The officials question whether Envestnet is violating the FTC Act by not being transparent about its collection and sale of consumers’ financial information.
Defense One
Pentagon Wants to Build One Satellite Per Week
Over the next two years, the Space Development Agency is looking to put dozens of satellites into orbit.
Route Fifty
Vast Majority of Mayors Believe Their Cities Are Too Car-Oriented, Survey Finds
But the city leaders also voice skepticism of cutting back on public parking or lowering speed limits.
Management
The Senate Confirmation Process is Twice As Long Today As It Was During the Reagan Era
Partnership for Public Service study highlights the importance of a president’s first and fifth years in getting vacancies filled.
Nextgov
Air Force’s ‘Base of the Future’ Ideas Will Be Tested on Tyndall Rebuild
The service’s private sector outreach program, AFWERX, will host a series of workshops in 2020 to hear innovative ideas.
Management
How Black Employees See Racism at Work Depends on Position
A study of black doctors, nurses, and health care technicians shows that a worker's position within an organization affect how they see racism at work.
Route Fifty