Defense
From Nextgov.com: VA faces flood of new claims and charges of a ‘hostile’ work environment
Tests of new work processes show ways the department can manage a double-digit increase in claims it expects to receive in the next two years.
Pay & Benefits
Senate to consider another pay freeze proposal
Republican amendment to jobs bill includes language suspending federal raises and bonuses.
Oversight
Lawmakers seek better training for supervisors
Under a bipartisan House bill, federal managers would get more training on such issues as conducting performance reviews.
Oversight
Treasury kicks off effort to go paperless with federal benefits
Social Security, Office of Personnel Management and other benefits to be sent electronically.
Pay & Benefits
Feds get time off to care for domestic partners, but not pets
Personnel agency clarifies that same- and opposite-sex partners qualify for certain leave programs, rejects a request to include companion animals.
Pay & Benefits
Unions unfazed by TSA nominee’s punt on collective bargaining
The two largest employee groups urge Pistole’s confirmation despite his failure to guarantee he will take up their cause.
Pay & Benefits
Uncle Sam shelled out more bonuses in 2009
Extra compensation for federal employees totaled $408 million last year -- $80 million more than in fiscal 2008, according to OPM data.
Defense
TSA nominee is diplomatic about screener bargaining rights
John Pistole says he would review the matter and consult with the Homeland Security secretary.
Pay & Benefits
Pay-freeze pitches are ‘demoralizing,’ says Virginia Democrat
Rep. Gerry Connolly encourages colleagues to be more supportive of the federal workforce.
Pay & Benefits
Benefits Bonanza
Paid parental leave is noticeably missing from a federal benefits list.
Defense
Pentagon tries to break from past on pay, personnel reform
Union and agency cooperation is critical to rebounding from NSPS’ demise, witnesses tell senators.
Defense
Agency officials, employee groups set to discuss pay transition
Witnesses at NSPS hearing will propose alternative approach to pay retention.
Oversight
Chief of the Year: Human Capital
Jeff Neal, chief human capital officer, Homeland Security Department.
Oversight
Agencies get green light to try expanding collective bargaining topics
At least six will participate in pilot programs allowing unions to negotiate over new issues such as technology and work methods.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Panel to recommend certifications for cybersecurity workforce
New report from nonpartisan commission will suggest the federal government establish a certifying body to test skills of potential hires.
Oversight
Lawmakers criticize growth of federal workforce
Republican pushes bill to return size of federal civilian workforce to ‘pre-Obama levels.’
Oversight