Author Archive
Employee Policy
New mileage reimbursement rates take effect
New federal mileage reimbursement rates for personally owned vehicles became effective Jan. 1. The new rates, set by the General Services Administration, were published in the Federal Register on Dec. 30.
Employee Policy
Union prevails in testing dispute
An arbitrator has ruled that the U.S. Postal Service violated its contract with the American Postal Workers Union when it retroactively increased the passing score on promotion eligibility exams in 2009.
Employee Policy
MSPB looking for research fodder
Federal employees have an opportunity to suggest research topics for the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Employee Policy
Lawmakers question Army DFAS project
A group of Midwestern lawmakers have asked the Defense Department's comptroller for details on an Army proposal to restructure the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Employee Policy
Another postal group joins 'Stop Staples' effort
The National Association of Letter Carriers issued a formal announcement that it will join other unions in a "national day of action" to push back against what organizers call the "privatization of postal services" at Staples office supply stores.
Pay
Campaigns spotlight important role of federal employees
Two of the most vocal labor groups representing federal workers have launched public relations campaigns aimed at boosting the public’s appreciation for the work performed by federal employees.
Employee Policy
Workforce losses to hinder IRS, union says
The loss of thousands of employees at the Internal Revenue Service will hamstring the agency in helping taxpayers during this year's filing season, maintains the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents employees at the agency.
Benefits
Veteran employment rises in 2013
The unemployment rate among veterans who have served on active duty since September 2001 decreased last year to an annual average of 9 percent, according to new figures released by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "I am a TransFERS employee. My wife is older than I am, and will be fully eligible for Social Security benefits (no government service). If she decides to "file and suspend," and then I file for half of her benefit, would that benefit be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision? Or will the WEP only affect my benefit when I begin to take it?"
Employee Policy
Applications open for Air Force civilian training
Air Force appropriated fund civilian employees can begin applying for intermediate and senior developmental educational opportunities, the Air Force Personnel Center announced.
Benefits
Tricare walk-in customer service ends
Tricare issued a reminder to beneficiaries that walk-in service at its customer service centers will cease April 1.
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "I'm considering getting married. I retired in December 2012, and I am in the CSRS. I know my annuity will be reduced, but if I decide to marry, let's say in January 2016 or 2017, will I have to come up with the money, a lump sum, to provide a survivor annuity?"
Benefits
Telework: Snowstorms boost participation
Federal employees are teleworking more this year than last, with inclement weather—together with existing laws and initiatives—driving participation rates to new highs.
Pay
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "If one accepts a voluntary separation incentive payment (VSIP) with monthly payments spread out across a year, from July 2014 to July 2015, do the 2015 VSIP payments meet the IRS IRA compensation criteria?"
Employee Policy
DOD to enforce CAC card policy
DOD said it will begin to strictly enforce policies regarding the reissuance of lost or stolen common access cards (CACs).
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "Is it possible to go into retirement with too much money in the TSP and external plans? Once a person is required to start taking minimum distributions for their retirement savings, will that count as income where Social Security benefits could be reduced or eliminated?"
Pay
President ups minimum wage for federal contract workers
President Obama this month signed an executive order to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 for federal contract workers—and encouraged Congress to extend the increase to other workers, as well.
Employee Policy
Union: NASA performance rating system results in discrimination
The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers is pressing the Office of Personnel Management to investigate NASA and its performance rating system, alleging that the agency has systematically engaged in racial discrimination over a period spanning at least six years.
Employee Policy
Bill targets poorly performing SES at VA
The chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs this month announced legislation that would empower the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to fire or demote the agency's Senior Executive Service employees in cases of poor performance.
