Pay & Benefits
Salary Council Recommends Locality Pay Area Changes
The advisory body found that federal workers earn on average 31% less than their counterparts outside government, but the methodology is highly disputed.
Management
House Passes Defense Policy Bill with Provision to Block OPM-GSA Merger
The must-pass legislation also includes amendments granting paid family leave and protecting feds’ health insurance during shutdowns.
Management
House to Consider Blocking OPM Merger, Other Workforce Proposals Through Defense Policy Bill
Proposed amendments to the annual must-pass Defense authorization bill include measures to safeguard federal workers’ insurance during shutdowns, ban the box in federal hiring and protect whistleblowers.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Aim to Add Paid Family Leave for Feds to Defense Policy Bill
A proposed amendment to the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would provide all federal workers with 12 weeks of paid family leave.
Pay & Benefits
All TSP Funds Rebound in June
After a lackluster May in which most offerings lost value, every fund in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program grew last month.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Outlines Time Frame for Lifecycle Fund Changes, Internal Improvements
By the end of next year, the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program will offer lifecycle funds in five-year increments.
Management
Interior Department Announces Modest Cutback to Telework
Beginning next month, front-line employees with telework agreements will be required to report to a physical office once a week, while supervisors will be eligible only for situational telework.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Bills to Protect Feds’ Insurance During Shutdowns
Legislation would ensure that workers can adjust health benefits following significant life events and prevent their dental, vision and long-term care coverage from lapsing.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Gives Federal Employees Christmas Eve Off
Move comes as partial shutdown prospect still looms.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Have a Good Chance of Getting Christmas Eve Off This Year
Presidents have historically granted feds a vacation day on Dec. 24 to make a four-day weekend in years when Christmas falls on a Tuesday.
Benefits
House budget proposal pushes civil pension reform
A budget resolution calls for federal employees to contribute more to pension plans.
Pay & Benefits
Obama Gives Feds Half-Day Off on Christmas Eve
Half day keeps with tradition when Christmas falls on a Friday.
Pay & Benefits
Details on the Locality Pay Increase, Controversial Petition for Christmas Eve Off, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
Feds Petition President for Paid Holiday on Christmas Eve
When Christmas last fell on a Friday in 2009, Obama gave employees a half day off on Dec. 24.
Benefits
Congress votes to ensure funding for VA hospitals
The Senate passed a bill July 30 to permit the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue funding health care for veteran facilities and services under the VA's Community Care program.
Benefits
VA to host major events focused on women vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs said it will hold a series of one-day events in major metro areas to provide women veterans with an overview of the services and benefits available to them.
Benefits
Extended APWU-USPS labor talks fall through
The American Postal Workers Union and the U.S. Postal Service ended contract negotiations on May 27 without coming to an agreement, the parties announced.
Benefits
Bill lets vets go local for care not offered by nearest VA facility
The Senate last week passed a bill that amends the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 to allow a veteran to use local health care when a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility within 40 miles driving distance does not offer the care the vet requires.
Benefits
Workers' comp again in the bull's eye
A House panel on May 20 held a hearing to examine possible reforms to the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which many in Congress and the administration alike believe is designed in a way that encourages beneficiaries to stay onboard even when their disability has passed.
Benefits