Defense
Homeland Security making progress in recruiting veterans
In fiscal 2007, DHS nearly doubled previous years’ totals of new vet hires.
Defense
Customs, border workforce plagued with retention, morale problems
But senators learn there’s little consensus on how to address the issues.
Oversight
EEOC braces for bumpy transition to in-house call center
As contract for privatized center runs out, agency warns of reduced service.
Defense
Army, Marine Corps struggle with mandate to expand
Plans to boost size of forces by 92,000 troops over the next five years are running into trouble.
Pay & Benefits
Federal agencies called unprepared for future wave of retirements
More than 60 percent of managers said their agencies don’t have knowledge management policies, a new survey shows.
Oversight
High-ranking Park Service official pleads guilty to travel fraud
Special agent admits to using a government credit card for nine personal trips.
Pay & Benefits
SEC, union sign new collective bargaining agreement
Contract establishes telework policy and flexible work schedules, but pay-for-performance issues remain unresolved.
Pay & Benefits
Employees urged to weigh a switch in health plans
Analyst says that with changing premiums and options, participants risk leaving money on the table if they stand pat.
Pay & Benefits
The Old Switcheroo
It may be worth your while to do your homework and consider changing health plans during this year’s open season.
Pay & Benefits
Sick Leave Saga
FERS employees want credit for their unused sick leave in retirement. Lawmakers may be listening.
Pay & Benefits
Senators urged to overturn Social Security provisions affecting federal retirees
But as always, the stumbling block is the price tag of repealing the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Oversight
Goal-setting, training called keys to telework
Agencies urged to view telework as an organizational tool, not a reward for high-performing employees.
Defense
DHS touts success in senior-level hiring
Amid criticism from lawmakers, Homeland Security met all its hiring targets for fiscal 2007, the agency’s top personnel official says.
Oversight
Report praises OPM’s workforce planning
GAO says agency responded aggressively to 2004 survey results, but could improve training and supervisor-employee relations.
Pay & Benefits
So Many Choices, So Little Time
Open season for health, dental and vision benefits is only a week away, so it’s time to consider whether you want to make any changes to your coverage.
Oversight
Trade group calls for reforms to appointments process
Aerospace execs say the long process and pay disparities shut out strong candidates.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds boast strong gains in October
International stocks are the top performers, with 4.49 percent in gains last month and 25.70 percent over the past year.
Defense
Pilot project on handling veterans’ employment complaints called inconclusive
Issue of which agency should be in charge of investigating federal sector complaints needs further review, Senate committee members say.
Pay & Benefits
A Price to Pay
Locality pay rates in the Los Angeles area may have had hidden costs during the wildfires.
Defense