Management
Immigration Services Agency Seeks to Suspend Bargaining With Union Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although the agency already is allowed to implement workplace changes because of the national health emergency, officials now want to skip post-implementation bargaining as well.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Workers, Dems Push for Hazard Pay in Next Coronavirus Legislation
House lawmakers and unions want feds to receive extra compensation if their job puts them at risk of exposure to COVID-19, but the provision was not included in the $2 trillion relief package approved by the Senate Wednesday night.
Management
FLRA Sets Sights on Official Time for ‘Lobbying Activities’
Critics say federal labor law specifically allows employee unions to negotiate for official time in connection with presenting the union’s views to Congress.
Management
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Overturn Trump Collective Bargaining Decisions
A bipartisan measure would nullify President Trump’s three executive orders aimed at reducing the influence of federal employee unions, as well as a memo granting the secretary of Defense the authority to exempt the Pentagon from federal labor law.
Management
Labor Authority Formally Proposes Rule Making It Easier for Feds to Cancel Union Dues
The agency tasked with administering federal sector labor law said it must change how federal workers cancel union dues to comply with a recent Supreme Court decision, but unions accused it of using the case as pretext to hamper labor groups.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Judge Dismisses Shutdown Lawsuit
A federal employee union had argued that forcing federal employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations constitutes a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, but a judge on Monday ruled that with the government open, the case is now moot.
Management
Social Security Restores Telework to Previous Levels, But Continues to Resist Expansion to Combat Coronavirus
Union filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday accusing the agency of forcing employees to work in an unsafe workplace.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: FLRA Wants to Make it Easier For Feds to Cancel Union Dues
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to talk about the future of unions in the federal government in light of the board's proposed change.
Management
Some Agencies Reluctant to Embrace Telework and Take Other Precautions, Despite Growing Coronavirus Concerns
Although some agencies have stepped up to protect their workforces as the novel coronavirus outbreak widens, many federal employees report a resistance to remote work and a lack of basic sanitary measures.
Pay & Benefits
Panel Pushes Measure to Allow VA Docs and Nurses to Negotiate Pay, Scheduling
The Veterans Affairs Department opposes the legislation, saying it would harm delivery of care to veterans.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: How Unions Are Protecting Feds From Everything from Relocation to Coronavirus
Courtney Bublé and Erich Wagner spoke to the podcast about the state of public service unions and their place in the federal ecosystem.
Management
Federal Pork Inspectors Are Sounding the Alarm Over USDA’s Plan to Give Industry More Control
After 20 years of studying the issue through four administrations, USDA is moving forward to give industry a bigger say in food safety operations.
Workforce
Federal Employee Union Outlines Plan to Protect Members from Coronavirus
NTEU is unveiling a website with information it receives from agencies.
Management
Unions Report No Sign of Telework Flexibilities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although both OPM and the CDC have strongly encouraged allowing employees to work remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, several agencies have yet to respond to those recommendations.
Pay & Benefits
Union Urges OPM Director to Withdraw Proposal to Limit Paid Parental Leave
As part of its fiscal 2020 budget justification, the personnel agency proposed legislation limiting the availability of paid parental leave for foster placements and in instances where both parents are federal workers.
Management
Warren, Sanders Warn Defense Chief Against Using New Collective Bargaining Authority
Democratic senators demand that Esper “commit, in writing,” not to act on his new authority to abolish unionization at the Pentagon.
Workforce
President of Largest Federal Employee Union Resigns Amid Investigation
J. David Cox was accused last year of a pattern of behavior including sexual harassment and unwanted advances toward union employees. Cox reportedly resigned after additional charges were levied against him earlier this month.
Management
Senators From Both Political Parties Urge Trump to 'Reconsider' Defense Union Memo
Lawmakers say the president’s January decision to give Defense Secretary Mark Esper blanket authority to abolish collective bargaining runs counter to congressional intent.
Management
Defense Chief Says He Didn’t Ask for Union Memo, Declines to Say How He Will Use New Power
Esper told lawmakers he would wait for staff recommendations before using the newly granted authority to outlaw collective bargaining among Pentagon civilian workers.
Management