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.
Management
White House Recommends Telework for Certain Feds
The Office of Management and Budget "encouraged" agencies to sign up federal workers that are members of high-risk populations for telework, and to coordinate with state and local institutions.
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
OPM Dismisses Union Concerns About Paid Parental Leave Implementation
Agency Director Dale Cabaniss argued that legislative proposals listed as part of OPM's fiscal 2021 budget justification merely sought "clarification" from Congress, and were not intended to set limitations on the new benefit.
Management
SEC Institutes Telework-Only Thanks to Robust Remote Work Program
The Securities and Exchange Commission quickly implemented mandatory telework for D.C. workers to protect them from the potential spread of coronavirus, but unions say other agencies have been reluctant to support the practice.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Reintroduce Bill to Protect Telework at Federal Agencies Amid Coronavirus Fears
The measure would prohibit agencies from making across-the-board cuts to telework programs, and require annual goals for participation in such programs.
Pay & Benefits
House Passes Bill Granting TSA Employees Full Workers Rights
The Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act would bring the Transportation Security Administration workforce under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, granting them access to the General Schedule pay system and a slew of other rights and protections.
Management
OPM Issues Additional Coronavirus Guidance, Encouraging Telework, Reduced Travel
The federal government’s HR agency orders all agencies to include telework in contingency plans, and encourages them to reduce “non-essential” travel.
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.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Returns Plummet Amid Coronavirus Worries
Nearly all of the offerings in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program took a dive last month, mirroring volatility across the stock market.
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
OPM Announces Adjustments to Annual Time-to-Hire Metrics
Moving forward, agencies will be expected to count all employees hired and provide additional details about the length of the hiring process.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Reports Improvement in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Performance, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Democratic Lawmakers Warn Proposed Social Security Rule Could Be Illegal
Leaders of several congressional committees call on the Social Security Administration to abandon a proposed rule that would allow appeals officers to hear lower-level disability cases.
Pay & Benefits
Military Family Members and Retirees Could Lose Medical Clinic Access under Pentagon Plan
The Defense Department this week published a plan to downsize dozens of military treatment facilities and make many accessible only to active duty troops.
Management