Workforce

Workers Left out of Government and Business Response to the Coronavirus

If government and business collaborate with workers, a scholar of labor relations writes, current economic problems could get less severe, the recovery smoother and lasting prosperity more likely.

Management

Don’t Halt Social Distancing. Instead, Do It Right.

There are two things the United States must do to beat the coronavirus.

Oversight

Justice Department Launches Task Force to Combat Coronavirus Fraud

Other agencies have implemented similar initiatives as well. 

Workforce

OPM Revises Hiring and Onboarding Policies Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Agencies have new authorities to hire emergency staff and bring on all new workers virtually.

Oversight

The Coronavirus Testing Paradox

Administering coronavirus tests requires time and supplies that are already running out. But aggressive testing has proven to be the best way to track and isolate the disease, stopping its spread. The best path forward depends on where you are.

Oversight

COVID-19 Stimulus Must Include Oversight to Block Fraud

Fraudsters are waiting in the wings.

Workforce

Coronavirus Roundup: FEMA Launches a ‘Rumor Control’ Website, Defense Prepares for Telework ‘As Long As Necessary’

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Oversight

Voting by Mail Would Reduce Coronavirus Transmission but It Has Other Risks

As COVID-19 spreads, many are proposing to hold the November election by mail. Without careful preparation, though, the transition could run into logistical problems and provide opportunities for voter fraud.

Pay & Benefits

House Dems Unveil Stimulus Plan Including Paid Childcare, Mandatory Telework and Hazard Pay for Feds

Measure comes with a $2.5 trillion price tag and includes provisions to rescind Trump's efforts to weaken federal employee unions.

Defense

Esper Orders Pentagon into Stricter Health-Related Lockdown

Most of the military installations in the Washington, D.C., area have already been designated HPCON-C, the second-highest level, to protect personnel from the coronavirus.

Defense

Why Trump Isn’t Using The Defense Production Act

He wants to allow corporations to sell vital medical gear to the highest-bidding states. Governors say that’s exactly the problem.

Management

How One Federal Agency Took Care of Its Workers During the Yellow Fever Pandemic in the 1790S

Today's coronavirus pandemic has echoes in the yellow fever pandemic of the 1790s. Then, as now, workers struggled with how to support themselves and their families. One federal agency had the answer.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: What It Takes to Get Tested for Coronavirus

Kate Queram joins the podcast to tell her story of finally getting tested for COVID-19.

Defense

Viewpoint: I Used to Run ICE. We Need to Release the Nonviolent Detainees.

It’s the only way to protect detention facilities and the people in them from COVID-19.

Management

Election Agency Works to Accommodate Coronavirus During 2020 Campaign Season

“Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the lack of a quorum at the FEC was keeping it from taking swift action on any complaints,” said one expert.

Workforce

With Dozens of Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, USPS Launches New Measures to Protect Employees

Congress floats major cash injection as employees remain concerned for their safety.

Management

Bipartisan Legislation Would Direct Federal Agencies to Allow Full-Time Telework

Senators from both parties said the Trump administration’s guidance encouraging agencies to allow their employees to work remotely proved inadequate to protect employees and the public from the coronavirus outbreak.

Pay & Benefits

TSP Officials Report Continuous Service Despite Coronavirus, Market Volatility

Officials at the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program said although the agency saw a record number of inter-fund transfers, most participants are sticking with their investment plan.

Management

To Beat COVID-19, Social Distancing is a Must

The director of the National Institutes of Health describes a new study, which shows that simply avoiding symptomatic people will not go far enough to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.