Management
Union Announces 'Boldest Agenda' Yet to Strengthen Federal Employee Rights, Pay and Benefits
The president of the nation’s largest federal employee union forecast a “two-year window” to undo former President Trump’s workforce policies and expand workers’ collective bargaining rights.
Management
Key Senator Lends Support to Effort to Oust Social Security Leadership
The chairman of a subcommittee overseeing the Social Security Administration has joined calls from labor and advocacy groups demanding that President Biden replace the agency’s top political appointees.
Management
Federal Labor Authority Restores Dispute Resolution Office
Officials at FLRA, which governs labor-management relations in the federal government, said the decision will save agencies money by helping them avoid litigation.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Implements Recent Pay and Benefits Changes
Acting OPM Director Kathleen McGettigan highlighted changes related to paid leave, premium pay, allowances related to military service and more.
Management
Judge Rules He Lacks Jurisdiction to Hear Impasses Panel Case
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed a lawsuit filed by a union representing VA employees challenging the appointment process for members of the Federal Service Impasses Panel.
Management
Controversial EEOC Official Time Rule Caught Up in Biden ‘Midnight Regulations’ Freeze
The agency tasked with investigating employment discrimination said it is considering “next steps” after a planned rule ending union officials’ guaranteed access to official time to work on complaints was withdrawn following President Biden’s inauguration.
Management
OPM Clarifies Weather Closure Policy Amid Maximum Telework
Although many federal workers have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM reiterated the importance of following inclement weather closure procedures for feds who still commute.
Pay & Benefits
House COVID Relief Bill Includes 15 Weeks of Paid Leave for Federal Parents, Caregivers
Leave would be available to care for elderly family members and kids whose schools are closed or virtual, as well as for those who are sick themselves or forced to quarantine.
Management
Arbitrator: Social Security Violated Labor Law Again in Dealings With Administrative Law Judge Union
Decision finding that SSA broke the law when it unilaterally implemented an incomplete union contract last year is the second time management has been cited for wrongful activity in the last year.
Management
House Leaders Reintroduce Bill to Grant TSA Employees Full Federal Protections
Since the agency’s founding following Sept. 11, 2001, workers at the Transportation Security Administration have had lower pay, abridged collective bargaining rights and fewer protections than other federal employees.
Pay & Benefits
Personnel Office Urged to Provide Feds with Administrative Leave to Get COVID-19 Vaccinations
Washington, D.C.- area House Democrats said some agencies have declined to offer paid time off, although the lawmakers would not say which ones.
Management
Union: VA Continues Stonewalling Contract Negotiations Despite Biden Order
In the two weeks since President Biden signed an executive order instructing agencies to work collaboratively with labor groups, the VA has continued Trump-era tactics against its largest union, AFGE says.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Push for Increases in Feds’ Leave, Retirement Benefits
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Biden Demands Resignations from Impasses Panel
The Federal Service Impasses Panel was a key piece of the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on federal employee unions, frequently imposing contracts with draconian pro-management policies.
Management
New FLRA Chair Vows to Restore Pre-Trump Labor Precedent
One day after being named chairman of the federal labor agency, Ernest DuBester voluntarily recognized the FLRA’s union, undoing his predecessor’s controversial decision.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP Funds Stumble to Start 2021
All but two of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program lost ground for January.
Pay & Benefits
New Bill Would Protect Early Retirement Benefits for Injured Federal First Responders
Currently, federal first responders who transfer to another job at a federal agency due to an injury may no longer retire at 57, despite paying more into the retirement system.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Push for Expanded Paid Family Leave for Feds
A new bill would provide federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave annually to care for themselves or a loved one, or in connection with a family member entering or returning from active military duty.
Management