Oversight
Feds rally against becoming scapegoats for fiscal woes
Union members march to the Capitol to deliver a petition asking Congress not to balance the budget by freezing pay and reducing the workforce.
Oversight
OPM launches online university for human resources managers
Website offers courses and career development resources across government for a price.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers take stand against new TSA bargaining privileges
‘Middle ground’ language would offer employees appeal rights and whistleblower protections, but not the ability to bargain collectively.
Defense
Report: Defense funding needed to ease BRAC-related traffic congestion
Special congressional and department money critical for road and transit infrastructure, panel finds.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: White House gets tough on ID card reader requirements
OMB tells agencies it will withhold funds for other programs if they don’t comply with directive.
Oversight
Tea partier wants to scrap Energy Department
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky introduced a bill that would move nuclear weapons programs to the Pentagon.
Defense
TSA workers granted limited collective bargaining rights
Unions hail decision; lawmakers have mixed reactions.
Oversight
USPS changes salary rules for postmasters
Downgraded employees will see pay drop after two years if their salary exceeds grade maximum.
Pay & Benefits
Rethinking the Best Date to Retire
Under FERS, it might not be the last day of the month.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Army taps Second Life for troop and family support
Virtual resiliency center will offer everything from exercise classes to tools for coping with the stress of multiple deployments.
Pay & Benefits
Senator proposes reform of federal workers’ compensation program
Bill would require retirement-eligible employees to convert to appropriate retirement system.
Defense
Lawmaker proposes ban on TSA collective bargaining
Airport screeners are seeking union representation and bargaining privileges.
Oversight
Former OSC chief to spend at least a month in prison
Scott Bloch had previously pleaded guilty to contempt of Congress.
Pay & Benefits
Tax Trouble
Federal employees will see a number of changes in tax withholding this year.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement funds start the year strong
TSP offerings see small gains in the first month of 2011.
Oversight
Unions praise end of airport privatization program
TSA decides not to accept new applications from private companies for screening services.
Pay & Benefits
Personnel agency tries to get out ahead of winter weather
OPM encourages Washington-area employees to telework, and coordinates with executive boards in other regions.
Defense
‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ training begins in February
Troops will be educated on new conduct policies related to the repeal of the law banning gays from serving openly in the military starting next month.
Defense
Michelle Obama turns to military as part of fitness program
First lady visits Army training facility near Columbia, S.C., to get pointers and observe foods offered in the dining halls and strength training exercises.
Pay & Benefits