Oversight
Forum participants see ‘urgency’ in hiring reform
House majority leader also calls for overhaul of federal pay system.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: VA will turn to a contractor to reduce backlog of GI educational benefits
Solicitation is the department's latest effort to process what officials call an unprecedented volume of claims.
Defense
President signs bill repealing Defense personnel system
Signing ceremony coincides with release of GAO report criticizing Pentagon’s approach to pay for performance.
Pay & Benefits
Rain doesn’t deter feds from fitness campaign kickoff
Hundreds flock to the National Mall to exercise with football stars and administration officials.
Oversight
Unions express concern over new draft of labor-management order
Proposal backs away from requiring agencies to bargain over broader set of work rules.
Oversight
OMB calls for 5 percent growth in civilian acquisition workforce
Administration also addresses ways to reduce risky contract types and increase competition.
Pay & Benefits
Prospects for higher federal raise remain murky
Many feel pay parity is unlikely, given the ailing economy and a military hike that seems out of reach for civilian agencies.
Pay & Benefits
Cooking classes teach feds the ingredients of a strong immune system
A popular how-to series helps employees prepare foods that will prevent cancer and other diseases such as diabetes.
Defense
NSPS repeal could lead to new performance management system, observers say
Defense authorization legislation calls on Pentagon and OPM to work together on developing an alternative personnel system.
Pay & Benefits
FEHBP open season nears as Congress considers major health care reform
Click here for our guide to Open Season 2009.
Defense
Senate sends bill ending Pentagon pay system to president’s desk
Legislation also grants the military a higher pay raise than Obama requested and includes major retirement reforms.
Pay & Benefits
OPM extends window for long-term insurance changes
Enrollees now have until Feb. 15, 2010, to modify their plans.
Pay & Benefits
Leave With Pay
One idea floating around Washington recommends allowing federal employees to roll unused annual leave into their TSP accounts.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers say Senate health care bill could hit feds with new taxes
FEHBP plans would be subject to a 40 percent tax beginning in 2013 under the proposal.
Pay & Benefits
Merit board nominees pledge to rebuild workforce, boost efficiency
Candidates also tell lawmakers they would like to make decisions clearer so agencies implement them properly.
Oversight
Jobs Nightmare
The prospect of the jobless rate hovering around 10 percent leading up to the 2010 midterm election should keep Democrats up at night.
Pay & Benefits
Public-private pay gap rises in 2009
Federal Salary Council declines to recommend a specific raise for 2010.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies challenge employees to lead a healthier lifestyle
The Obama administration is experimenting with innovative ways to get 75 percent of the federal workforce involved in health and wellness programs by next year.
Defense