Management
Republican Lawmaker Seeks to Outlaw Official Time for Union Representational Work
Bill would end the longstanding practice by which union officials can do representational work during duty hours, although chances of it becoming law are low.
Management
Senate Democrats Decry Social Security’s Playing Hardball with Administrative Law Judge Union
Lawmakers accuse management of a "deliberate attempt to reach an impasse" in contract negotiations.
Management
Budget Deal Doesn’t Rule Out Inclusion of Workforce Provisions in Spending Bills
Although lawmakers and the White House agreed on no “poison pills” or partisan policy riders, proposals to block the OPM-GSA merger and other administration plans are still subject to negotiation.
Oversight
Lawmakers Seek to Bolster Public Records Law
A bipartisan bill would overrule a recent Supreme Court decision and reverse recent changes at EPA.
Pay & Benefits
The Pay Raise State of Play, and TSP Contribution Changes
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Senate Panel Advances Key Labor Authority Nominee
One week following Catherine Bird’s confirmation hearing, a key committee voted along party lines in favor of her nomination.
Management
Trump Administration Asks Court to Allow Agencies to Implement Workforce Orders Immediately
Government argues it would suffer “irreparable harm” if required to wait 45 days before an existing injunction against three controversial executive orders is lifted.
Management
Union Challenge to Workforce Orders Could Take Years if Court Doesn’t Reconsider Its Decision
Administrative backlogs and agency vacancies make challenging the orders through three available avenues a daunting task.
Oversight
Senators in Both Parties Object to FOIA Changes at EPA
A recent change in public information request regulations, effective immediately, vested more power in political appointees.
Management
More than Half of USDA Science Agency Employees May Leave Rather than Relocate
The union representing workers at the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture has requested a one-year period of full-time telework to ease the transition to Kansas City.
Pay & Benefits
Survey: Five in Six HHS Employees May Consider Leaving if Telework is Restricted
Department has stripped telework provisions from its union contract, and is expected to require employees to commute at least four days per week.
Management
Unions Consider Next Steps Following Workforce Order Ruling
The injunction blocking three controversial executive orders by President Trump will remain in place for 45 days to allow unions to consider an appeal.
Pay & Benefits
House Backs New Benefits for Feds, OPM Offers Heat Guidance and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Labor Authority General Counsel Nominee Vows Impartiality, But Unions Cry Foul
Federal employee unions oppose the nomination of Catherine Bird to vet complaints before the FLRA, citing her work in collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of management.
Management
Court Delivers Blow to Federal Unions Fighting Trump’s Workforce Orders
A three-judge panel found that federal employee unions should have gone to the FLRA with their legal challenges before filing a federal lawsuit.
Pay & Benefits
Salary Council Recommends Locality Pay Area Changes
The advisory body found that federal workers earn on average 31% less than their counterparts outside government, but the methodology is highly disputed.
Management
House Passes Defense Policy Bill with Provision to Block OPM-GSA Merger
The must-pass legislation also includes amendments granting paid family leave and protecting feds’ health insurance during shutdowns.
Management
Trump Administration to Explore Making It Easier for Federal Employees to Cancel Union Dues
Labor officials decry the effort as a misuse of legal precedent to bust unions.
Management
Lawmakers: Discussion of Furloughs at OPM Was 'Premature and Unnecessary'
Officials should have considered furloughs or layoffs as a last resort in addressing the agency's budget shortfall, senators say in letter demanding more information.
Pay & Benefits