Pay & Benefits
Domestic Dispute
The administration defends its decision not to extend health care benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
Oversight
Postal Service pleads its case to Congress
Cash-strapped agency says it needs immediate relief to avoid defaulting on advance payments to its retiree health fund.
Oversight
Workers protest outside SSA offices nationwide
Employees march against furloughs, other cuts as agency offers early retirement.
Pay & Benefits
From Nextgov: GSA to stop funding D.C.-area private telework centers
Funds for 13 private telework centers will terminate at the end of March.
Pay & Benefits
Coming soon: The 2011 version of legislation to speed presidential appointments
Senate panel explores decades-old problem of confirmation stalemates characterized by paperwork overload and politics among lawmakers.
Oversight
Bills target tax-delinquent feds, contractors
Measures would exempt companies and individuals working with the IRS on payment plans.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Military Health System reports on effects of current wars
Mental health treatment for military family members has grown 15 percent annually since 2001.
Pay & Benefits
NTEU bemoans lack of information on possible shutdown
Agencies should be answering employees’ questions about impact on their benefits and whether they can moonlight, union members are told.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds keep up their strong performance
Every investment option grew in February, and all are in the black for the year.
Oversight
Watchdog: Postal Service proposals could undermine funding of retiree benefits
Potential changes also wouldn’t get USPS’ finances back in the black, OPM inspector general finds.
Pay & Benefits
TSP sees boost in overall enrollment, new fund participation
Auto-enroll program and targeted campaigns reaching noncontributors and new hires, according to officials.
Oversight
Shutdown? What shutdown?
If the broader government closes up shop, some self-funded agencies will be immune to the effects.
Pay & Benefits
Benefits would continue to flow for furloughed employees
Federal insurance and retirement coverage are guaranteed even when paychecks aren’t.
Pay & Benefits
Redeposits for the Rehired
Part Three of our series on service credit issues looks at paying back refunds of retirement contributions due to breaks in service.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers vote to eliminate salaries for some federal workers
Spending bill prohibits pay for employees involved in health care reform and for nine Obama administration czars.
Pay & Benefits
Bargaining Chips
Federal employees seem in less danger than their state counterparts of having their collective bargaining rights curtailed -- at least in the current political environment.
Pay & Benefits
Federal workers rally against Wisconsin governor
Government employee union members gather at Badger state’s Washington office to protest proposal to curtail collective bargaining.
Oversight
Contractors would share the pain of a government shutdown
Veterans of past closings advise firms to talk with acquisition officials to prepare for the possibility of halting operations.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies close-lipped on personnel policy planning for shutdown
Some employees would continue to work during a hiatus, but officials aren’t yet revealing details.
Pay & Benefits