Author Archive
Updated
Workforce
Some disabled veterans say losing telework accommodations is making it harder for them to keep working at the VA
Employees with disabilities at several agencies have alleged that they’re being forced to return to the office, even though the Trump administration’s directive ending telework flexibility for the civil service exempted those with qualifying reasonable accommodations.
Updated
Management
Unions sue to block USDA reorganization, arguing it’s a RIF in disguise
A court filing says that impacted employees must report to their new assigned locations across the country by this fall.
Workforce
Union accuses Treasury and HHS of neglecting telework requests from employees with disabilities
The lawsuit highlights federal employees who have been waiting for more than a year to hear back about their reasonable accommodation requests as well as individuals whose need to telework ended before the agency responded.
Workforce
Despite criticism of Trump’s SES reforms, senior executives group backs recent updates to training program
Officials from the Office of Personnel Management said that the changes to the training and development program are necessary to promote standardization across agencies.
Management
President can fire independent agency heads without cause, Supreme Court rules
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a dissent that the decision “reshapes our government.”
Oversight
Despite taxing year, IRS watchdog reports mostly smooth filing season
The Taxpayer Advocate Service did, however, find that staff cuts made it more difficult for taxpayers who needed assistance to access it.
Management
Award-winning civil servants counter negative stereotypes of government employees
The National Academy of Public Administration celebrated public servants as part of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
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Management
Agencies look to AI to improve hiring and build workforce skills
The chief human capital officers also emphasized the importance of improving the skillset of the mid-career workforce.
Oversight
Education Department layoffs hindered congressionally mandated activities, inspector general reports
The inspector general office at the Education Department has experienced several leadership shake-ups, including one acting leader who seems to have been replaced over the report.
Workforce
NSF is using its HQ move to revoke telework for workers with disabilities, employees say
Most of the science agency’s workforce is currently teleworking, as they are being relocated to a new office building that is close to the former headquarters.
Oversight
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Management
Federal agencies are getting more attention on social media — and more criticism
Federal accounts are generating far more engagement on X than they did in the final year of the Biden administration, according to new research.
Oversight
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
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Workforce
Most Americans think government workers are competent and should be nonpartisan, according to recent surveys
A survey from the Partnership for Public Service also found that a majority of Americans oppose the Trump administration’s changes to government.
Workforce
A year after sounding the alarm, NIH dissenters say political influence is entrenched at research agency
The Trump administration has cut staff and grants at the National Institutes of Health, and employees warn further overhauls appear to be likely.
Management
After year of pushing employees out, OPM embraces familiar recruiting playbook
In order for agencies to attain top talent, Office of Personnel Director Scott Kupor pointed to job websites specific to college students, multi-agency position postings and tech recruiting programs — all strategies that the Biden administration also employed.
Workforce
Another lawsuit alleges DOJ is illegally rejecting telework requests from employees with disabilities
Some of the plaintiffs said that the revocations of their telework reasonable accommodations have forced them to take leave and worsened their health.
Oversight
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Oversight
USPS financial crisis won’t be solved until Congress defines its service mission, regulator testifies
At a hearing Thursday, lawmakers also expressed doubt about a proposal from U.S. Postal Service leaders to raise the agency’s statutory debt limit.
