Workforce

Biden’s Board Appointees Promise to Finally Provide Feds ‘Extra Insurance’ Against Mistreatment

After five years, a restored Merit Systems Protection Board is setting new precedents with sweeping impacts for the civil service.

Oversight

MSPB Has Issued Its First Bit of Precedent in Five Years

The body that adjudicates the validity of discipline and removal of federal workers decided that it cannot overrule laws governing probationary periods, even if an agency gave the employee bad info on when they end.

Workforce

A Senate Panel Will Consider Nominees for Two Boards That Govern Federal Employee Issues - Again

A lack of Republican cooperation meant candidates for key administration posts at FLRA and MSPB had to be renominated by President Biden this month.

Workforce

Merit Systems Protection Board Passes 5-Year Mark Without a Quorum

Without a quorum, the board is unable to issue decisions for appeals, leaving thousands in limbo and a critical part of the civil service system non-functional.

Workforce

Federal Employee Appeals Board Now One Step Closer to Ending Years-Long Dysfunction

Biden's nominees to the Merit Systems Protection Board are now heading to the full Senate for a vote.

Workforce

TSA, Merit Board Reach Deal to Provide Appeal Rights to Airport Screeners

As the Biden administration moves to provide full civil service protections to the TSA workforce, lawmakers say Congress must codify screeners’ rights.

Workforce

A Functioning Federal Employee Appeals Board May Finally Be in Sight After Biden Names Second Nominee

MSPB hasn't had a quorum in more than four years, but Republicans may push for further delay until a member of their party is nominated.

Pay & Benefits

Merit Board Offers Advice to Fix Reskilling Program That Hasn't Translated to Any New Job Placements

A pilot program to train some non-IT workers with technology skills has not resulted in anyone switching jobs, largely because participants would have needed to take a pay cut.

Oversight

Energy Dept. Hatch Act Violator Agrees to Resign and Leave Government for at Least 3 Years 

The employee gave a congressional candidate special access to a radioactive waste treatment plant despite warnings this would violate ban on political activity while working. 

Oversight

Special Counsel: Fed Gave Unauthorized Tour to Political Candidate

"The employee unilaterally used her official authority to further a political campaign," Hatch Act complaint says. 

Management

Merit Board Suggests Ways Agencies Can Hire 'Better,' Not Just 'Faster and Cheaper'

The Merit Systems Protections Board is lending its support to the Office of Personnel Management's hiring reform efforts.

Management

MSPB: There’s a Better Way to do Performance Reviews

Few have faith in a system where 99% of employees are deemed “fully successful” or better.

Oversight

Former Immigration Judge Punished for Hatch Act Violations

Merit Systems Protection Board imposes a $1,000 fine and 30-month debarment from federal service.

Management

Senate Panel Advances Merit Board, FEMA Administrator Nominees

The federal employee appeals board may soon have a quorum for the first time in 2.5 years.

Pay & Benefits

Final Merit Board Nominee Promises to Protect Civil Service as Agency Looks to Regain Teeth

House panel moves to protect whistleblowers in the interim as central board still has no confirmed members.