Pay & Benefits
Likely 2009 raise figure comes in at 3.4 percent
Change in Employment Cost Index has become the de facto baseline for recommended average federal salary increase.
Pay & Benefits
Union, law firm partner to pursue reservists' benefit claims
The labor group and New York firm will co-represent 10,000 union members who claim they were improperly charged leave for reserve duties.
Oversight
Agencies mobilize assistance for wildfire victims
Efforts to disburse aid are running smoothly, but the extent of the need remains to be seen.
Pay & Benefits
More Questions, More Answers
Another round of questions from readers about a range of retirement issues.
Tech
Credentials could ease hiring for IT security jobs
Agencies should follow the Defense Department’s model for IT employee certifications, representatives of professional organizations say.
Pay & Benefits
Panelists suggest reducing reliance on political appointees
Replacing appointees with career employees would improve continuity and help address leadership and workforce challenges, officials say.
Pay & Benefits
Consumer-Driven Care
The upcoming open season for federal benefits will feature more high-deductible health plan options. Are they right for you?
Defense
Wildfires strain federal operations in Southern California
A shortage of personnel and a lack of information are hurdles to delivering assistance to federal employees and other affected Californians. Click here to view wildfire response photo gallery
Pay & Benefits
Rigid pay systems listed among top workforce challenges
Panelists cite pay for performance and solid leadership as key to offsetting a potential talent drain over the next decade.
Oversight
State Department urged to improve evacuation training
Exercises involving officers posted overseas should take place more often and be more realistic, GAO says.
Oversight
Lawmakers push labor-management partnerships
Bill would re-establish a council Bush dissolved in 2001, with the goal of helping front-line employees and managers work together more effectively.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers probe health care staffing shortages at VA
Scholarships and student loan repayments are among the incentives the agency is using to attract and keep quality health professionals.
Pay & Benefits
Questions and Answers
A look at some common queries about federal retirement planning.
Oversight
Senate backs provision to curb premium class travel abuse
Amendment would forbid federal employees from using appropriated funds for unjustified premium airline tickets.
Pay & Benefits
In Benefits Feds Trust
Comments on a story about Hillary Clinton’s health care proposal indicate that at least some federal employees are very protective of their benefits.
Defense
Commissioners call for streamlined vets benefits
Recommendations include assigning the Defense Department sole responsibility for performing physical exams that determine soldiers' fitness to serve.
Pay & Benefits
CSRS retirees to get 2.3 percent pension increase in 2008
Those in the newer FERS will receive a 2 percent adjustment.
Pay & Benefits