Pay & Benefits
Paying Respects
Agencies are taking steps to make life easier for the survivors of civil servants.
Oversight
OPM creates office to oversee the Senior Executive Service
Central unit will make management of the top ranks of federal officials more efficient, personnel chief says.
Pay & Benefits
MSPB says vet’s case against federal internship program has legal merit
Ruling deals another blow to the government’s nine-year-old special hiring authority.
Oversight
Panelists call for change in human resources workforce and mission
HR offices should look inward and think about their strategic role, personnel specialists say.
Pay & Benefits
TSP reforms boost enrollment
But other changes required by law will take time to implement, Thrift Savings Plan officials say.
Pay & Benefits
The Inevitable
You might not want to think about what will happen after you die, but for your survivors’ sake, you should.
Defense
Justice sues bulletproof vest manufacturer for false claims
Suit is the latest in a long-running investigation of firms that sold defective gear to military and law enforcement agencies.
Pay & Benefits
Pilot projects could be the key to speeding discrimination complaint processing
EEOC must oversee and evaluate such projects to succeed, GAO cautions.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: VA likely to miss deadline to process education benefits claims
Backlog of 200,000 claims await processors, but some universities and colleges will allow veterans who have unpaid tuition and housing bills to remain in school.
Pay & Benefits
Panel orders FAA to set new controller pay scales
Mediators lament "draconian reductions in compensation" in decision paving the way for a new labor contract to be ratified.
Pay & Benefits
Help Wanted
KSAs might be obsolete, but Uncle Sam hasn’t come up with an alternative.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies ramp up student loan repayments
Spending to help employees pay down loans increased 22 percent from 2007 to 2008, report says.
Pay & Benefits
OPM finalizes hiring preferences for military spouses
Rule allows noncompetitive appointments for spouses when service members are transferred, disabled or killed.
Pay & Benefits
OPM withdraws rule that would have allowed faster promotions
Agency leaves door open to eliminating time-in-grade requirements in the future as part of a more comprehensive approach to reforms.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers renew push for public service scholarships
Third round of legislation would direct money to students who commit to federal careers.
Pay & Benefits
Union campaign raises questions about reach of Obama executive order
Legal Services Corporation says it’s not clear if nonprofits have to abide by rules for contractors.
Oversight
Lawmakers gain prominence with federal employee issues
Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia Democrats are taking on telework, pay reform and a host of other challenges.
Pay & Benefits
Taking the Plunge
Questions and answers that will help you make an informed decision on whether to dive into retirement, or take a more gradual approach.
Defense
More problems reported with Defense Contract Audit Agency
Draft GAO report finds issues with 37 audits conducted between 2004 and 2006, according to internal memos.
Pay & Benefits