Pay & Benefits
OPM hits a lull in retirement claims processing
Agency receives and processes fewest claims in months, but progress reducing backlog continues.
Defense
Defense not monitoring cost-cutting initiatives, report finds
Defense needs standardized metrics to gauge savings and reinvestments, watchdog says.
Oversight
Senate unanimously approves Hatch Act update
Bill would expand the range of possible penalties for employees who violate the law.
Pay & Benefits
Feds petition to get Christmas Eve off
If the movement gains 25,000 signatures, the White House will issue a response.
Thinking Ahead
Tweeting From Space
NASA’s Jason Townsend engages social media users to promote the agency.
Pay & Benefits
Federal managers lack information about partial retirement options, survey finds
Agencies are not preparing for skilled worker exodus from mass retirements.
Pay & Benefits
Unions reject latest bid to include pay freeze, benefits cuts in deficit deal
Labor groups say Republican Sen. Bob Corker’s proposal unfairly targets feds.
Management
Employee satisfaction dips at several agencies
Officials vow to turn low marks on annual survey into positive changes.
Oversight
Hearing on Veterans Affairs conference spending turns combative
VA official accuses lawmakers of taking a 'slap' at hardworking employees, panel chairman takes offense at the suggestion and declares 'truce' over.
Pay & Benefits
OPM revises language, pushes telework for federal closures
Confusion during Sandy leads to clarification of language alerting employees offices are shut.
Pay & Benefits
Sandy victims permitted to withdraw funds from TSP
Feds can continue to pay into their retirement plan despite financial hardship withdrawal.
Pay & Benefits
Leaving feds out of deficit deal wins bipartisan support
Lawmakers representing federal employees say their constituents have paid fair share.
Pay & Benefits
Feds to Congress: Leave us out of deficit deal
Coalition of federal unions writes to lawmakers to say enough is enough.
Pay & Benefits
Peace Corps volunteers not properly informed on health care compensation options
Peace Corps, Labor aren't adequately tracking program for reimbursements, GAO says.
Defense
Record number of military suicides in 2012
As troops return home, Army and Navy have seen an unprecedented number take their own lives.
Pay & Benefits
Democrats: Leave federal employee health plan out of deficit deal
Simpson-Bowles, CBO and Ryan budget, however, point to federal benefits for potential savings.
Management
Postal Service announces a record $16 billion loss in fiscal 2012
Agency claims solvency is possible, with congressional action.
Management