Management
5 Reasons to Switch Jobs During a Pandemic
Most people are reluctant to change jobs during an economic downturn, but that may not be the best approach right now.
Nextgov
NSA Attributes Attacks on Common E-mail Transfer Software to Russian Agents
A patch for the vulnerability the hackers are targeting has existed for almost a year.
Route Fifty
A State Moves to Publicly Disclose Information on Workplace Coronavirus Outbreaks
The decision by Oregon officials comes after scrutiny over outbreaks at a fruit company there.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Trump Extends National Guard Deployments; State Department Outlines Process to Resume Passport Operations
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Route Fifty
Health Inspections Take on New Role in Monitoring Restaurant Safety
Local health departments that suspended in-person inspections of restaurants and bars are beginning to restart their programs and now have even more responsibilities than before, like enforcing social distancing.
Route Fifty
Democratic State Attorneys General Push Back on Trump Social Media Order
The executive order would direct federal agencies and state attorneys general to investigate social media companies for alleged bias in their content moderation policies.
Defense
Hidden in the New House Coronavirus Relief Bill: Billions for Defense Contractors
A section of the HEROES Act championed by Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly would cover executive compensation and other perks for defense and intel contractors. The legislation’s wording mirrors what an industry group proposed.
Management
Analysis: The Justice Department Has Had to Twist Itself in Knots to Defend Trump on Emoluments
For decades, the department has interpreted the Constitution to err on the side of country first. Now all that has changed.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Why D.C.-Area Workers With Security Clearances Are Doing Well
ClearanceJobs.com's Evan Lesser joins the program to talk about his site's survey of cleared job seekers and employees.
Nextgov
Government’s Annual Cyber Report Shows Improvements Across the Board
Agencies received lower scores for not holding contractors responsible for privacy requirements.
Route Fifty
As Virus Keeps Kids From Schools, New Figures Show Millions Lack Home Internet
Meanwhile, a California education official this week said it would take at least $500 million to get students there the computers and internet access they need, and asked the private sector to help.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmaker: White House ‘Overstepped its Authority’ in Demanding TSP Abandon I Fund Changes
Chairman of House Oversight and Reform subcommittee says instructing the Thrift Savings Plan not to shift international investments to a broader index effectively “politicized” the independent agency.
Workforce
New Federal Workers More Likely to Be Fired After Filing Whistleblower Complaints
Between 17% and 69% of workers in their probationary period who filed whistleblower retaliation complaints were fired in 2018, GAO finds.
Nextgov
DHS Creates Tool to Predict How Long SARS-CoV-2 Lives on Surfaces
Thousands of users accessed the new calculator on its initial day of launch.
Oversight
Senators Ask Labor Inspector General for Review of OSHA’s Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic
“Federal workers and the American people deserve better,” said a watchdog organization.
Employee Policy
OPM outlines flexible work schedule options
As agencies reopen, the Office of Personnel Management has some suggestions on how agencies can use flexible work schedules to keep employees safe and help them balance work with caregiving.
Route Fifty
Women Disproportionately Losing Their Jobs During Coronavirus Downturn
Women of color, single mothers, and women over the age of 55 have been particularly hard hit.
Pay & Benefits
Splitting Up and Splitting Benefits
In the federal retirement world, divorces can be complicated.
Benefits
Feds in high-risk jobs contracting COVID-19 cleared for workers’ comp
Feds working in high-risk, citizen-facing jobs who contract COVID-19 are facing a lower bar for workers’ comp approval, thanks to recent changes made by the Department of Labor to the claims process -- and a major union is expressing its approval.
Oversight