Pay & Benefits
Retirement funds improve some at the end of 2011
International investments and those in small and midsize companies continue to lose ground.
Oversight
In case you missed it: News from the holiday break
Some recent items that may have escaped your attention if you were taking some time off.
Pay & Benefits
Are federal buyout incentives worth taking?
Some agencies are offering cash to encourage employees to leave, but most workers might be better off staying put.
Pay & Benefits
Federal salaries see worst growth in a decade, analysis finds
Government employees still fared slightly better than private sector, USA Today reports.
Oversight
Deep freeze: The top stories of 2011
The ongoing pay freeze, several near-government shutdowns and the looming prospect of retirement benefit cuts dominated federal news this year.
Pay & Benefits
Obama thanks Congress for passing bill, says more work ahead
'This is some good news, just in the nick of time for the holidays,' he said.
Defense
Congress passes federal internship program reform
The bill, designed to standardize internships across all agencies, now awaits the president’s signature.
Pay & Benefits
A Few Good Things
It may have been a rough year for federal employees, but there were some positive developments in 2011.
Defense
Ban on A-76 competitions for outsourcing extended in omnibus bill
Legislation includes language to ‘level the playing field’ for federal workers.
Pay & Benefits
Database lists top federal earners in 2011
The highest paid government employee this year is a doctor at the National Cancer Institute.
Oversight
House Republicans agree to payroll tax cut deal
The chamber will pass the two-month extension with a technical correction designed to minimize difficulties for businesses.
Pay & Benefits
A federal holiday poem
Observing what has been a holiday tradition since 1998, we present our annual ode to federal employees.
Oversight
Biden urged to get involved in union contract talks with TSA
House Democrat asks the vice president to help get negotiations 'on track' and 'deliver an equitable and balanced arbitration system.'
Pay & Benefits
Standoff on payroll tax holiday extension continues
Top aides say the Senate majority leader remains adamant and will not relent to House GOP demands to appoint conferees and resolve differences.
Pay & Benefits
Groups still worried about possible extended federal pay freeze
Employee advocates warily eye last-minute debate over tax holiday.
Defense
Union calls TSA contract negotiations ‘very discouraging’
AFGE president says the agency’s definition of third-party review of employee grievances does not pass ‘smell test.’
Pay & Benefits
Obama signs into law a bill providing flags to relatives of fallen federal employees
Congress passed the final measure without opposition.
Pay & Benefits
TSP participation declining
Separations and ‘hardship withdrawals’ are among the factors cited.
Oversight