The Federal Newsgroup

2011 Buyout Figures / Early Retirements

2012-01-25T11:06:00.000-06:00

Article Title: GPO Reports Results of Buyouts / Early Outs

Snippet of Article: "...GPO offered buyouts and early outs to the agency's employees during the second half of calendar year 2011 as a result of overall Government cutbacks and projected reductions in appropriated funding. The buyout..."

Source: whattheythink.com

Blue Button technology arrives for Federal Employee Health Plans

2012-01-20T18:03:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Federal health plans to offer Blue Button digital health-record access

Snippet of Article: "...the Blue Button technology, whose use was spearheaded by the Veterans Affairs Department, will make it easer to share digital records with family members and physicians...."

Source: www.federalnewsradio.com Blue Button technology

Federal Employee Pay Increase for 2013 is minuscule

2012-01-09T18:36:00.000-06:00

Article Title: AFGE Statement on Proposed Federal Employee Pay Raise

Snippet of Article: "...American Federation of Government Employees National President John Gage today issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration's proposed 0.5% federal employee pay raise for 2013..."

Source: www.sacbee.com

Federal worker rule

2012-01-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Wait is over for federal worker rule but worries persist

Snippet of Article: "...It took DHS' U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services almost two years to issue the final worker rule. The rule was welcomed with a mixture of relief and anxiety...."

Source: www.saipantribune.com

Federal employees' pay gains are slowest in 10 years

2011-12-28T09:18:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Federal workers' pay gains are the slowest in 10 years

Snippet of Article: "...None of the wage gains kept pace with inflation. The federal pay numbers are the first full budget-year results since President Obama canceled automatic cost-of-living pay hikes..."

Source: www.usatoday.com
COLA, cost-of-living

Lawmakers stall Federal Employee unpaid furloughs for short period

2011-12-19T02:37:00.000-06:00

Article Title: US Lawmakers Approve Government Funding

Snippet of Article: "...A shutdown would have forced government departments to halt non-essential operations and put tens of thousands of federal employees on unpaid furlough...."

Source: voanews.com Federal furlough, Federal employees,

Postal Service attempts to shutter vital mail processing facility in national defense mecca

2011-12-16T19:45:00.001-06:00

Article Title: Huntsville mail processing center may relocate to Birmingham

Snippet of Article: "...Huntsville resident Ray Dunavant said if the measure passes, Huntsville will lose its historic postmark; something that Dunavant says is an emblem of a community...."

Source: Rocket City
destruction of postal service, essential services, Huntsville Alabama,

Huge cuts to federal employee pay and benefits

2011-12-09T22:04:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Federal worker union opposes House GOP payroll tax plan

Snippet of Article: "...the measure would make “huge cuts to federal employee pay and benefits.”..."

Source: Federal pay cuts,

Another postal shooting (Montgomery, Alabama)

2011-12-05T09:11:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Post office shooting suspect charged with Attempted Murder

Snippet of Article: "...postal worker carried two guns into the mail room at the post office and fired several shots. The suspect, 29-year-old Arthur Lee Darby Jr...."

Source: eastmontgomery.wsfa.com Postal Shooting

Weakening of the federal retirement safety net

2011-11-30T00:41:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Baby Boom Retirement: Financial Security Fades

Snippet of Article: "...it's vital to fend off any weakening of the federal retirement safety net..."

Source: www.theledger.com
federal retirement safety net, Medicare, Social Security,,

Federal records management system gets attention

2011-11-28T11:23:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Obama wants better digital archive of federal records

Snippet of Article: "...announcement could be a boon for the Archives, which is facing a multi-year reorganization and earned the lowest ratings of any large federal agency in a recent survey of federal employees...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Guidance issued by OPM on workforce restructuring

2011-11-26T21:29:00.000-06:00

Article Title: OPM issues guidance on workforce restructuring

Snippet of Article: "...A memo from OPM Director John Berry includes information for chief human capital officers on buyouts, early retirement packages, layoffs and reassignments...."

Source: www.govexec.com

Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings

2011-11-25T19:53:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Getting federal employees and managers on the same page

Snippet of Article: "...listed No. 1 in this year’s Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings, had been rated 25th out of 30 large agencies six years ago. ..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Federal Employee health care open season begins

2011-11-16T09:57:00.000-06:00

Article Title: 'Open season' begins for federal employee health care

Snippet of Article: "...Even if a federal employee is happy with current health insurance, officials say it's probably a good idea to do at least a little research during "open season," which began Monday and runs through Dec. 12...."

Source: www.army.mil

USPS proposed health plan likely to cost agency more

2011-11-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

Article Title: USPS proposal to leave federal health benefits program questioned

Snippet of Article: "...The U.S. Postal Service’s proposal to withdraw from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program likely will cost the cash-strapped agency more money, according to a health insurance expert...."

Source: gnom.es

Complete ban on smoking in Federal Buildings

2011-11-08T19:11:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Bill Aims to Snuff Smoke Spots in Fed Buildings

Snippet of Article: "...President Bill Clinton banned smoking in most federal offices by executive order in 1997. The order allowed for the establishment of smoking rooms...."

Source: www.newsmax.com

federal contracting bribery sentences

2011-10-25T00:29:00.000-05:00

Article Title: 11 sentenced in federal contracting bribery scheme

Snippet of Article: "...Eleven employees and contractors with the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages basic services and buildings for federal agencies, have been sentenced in contracting bribery schemes...."

Source: www.ktul.com

2012 Federal Retiree COLA 3.6 percent (FERS is less)

2011-10-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Federal retirees to get COLA increase

Snippet of Article: "...those who retired under the Federal Employees Retirement System and who are eligible for COLAs will receive 1 percentage point less. The FERS system generally doesn’t pay inflation adjustments until age 62..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com 2012 COLA, 2010 Retiree COLA, Federal Retirement COLA 2012,

Federal Disability Retirement

2011-10-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

Article Title: FERS and CSRS Federal Disability Retirement: Understanding the Practical Application of a Theoretical Construct

Snippet of Article: "...In preparing, formulating and filing a Federal Disability Retirement application under FERS or CSRS, the world of reality should necessarily intersect with the theoretical construct, if one is to be successful in the endeavor. Success, ultimately, is defined by an approval of a Federal Disability Retirement application, either under FERS or CSRS, from the Office of Personnel Management or..."

Source: www.fedsmith.com Federal Disability Retirement

Federal Employee Buyout for the federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

2011-10-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

Article Title: NREL offers voluntary buyouts to employees

Snippet of Article: "...Masson said the lab currently doesn’t have plans to start forced layoffs if enough people don’t take the voluntary buyout, which includes provisions for severance pay and medical benefits...."

Source: www.bizjournals.com Federal Employee Buyout

Federal Employee pay freeze for third year being considered

2011-10-15T09:51:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Senators call for extending federal pay freeze for third year

Snippet of Article: "...Congress should freeze the pay of federal employees for a third year and retool calculations of their retirement benefits to help pay down the federal deficit, two senators responsible for federal personnel issues said Friday...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Rep. John Duncan Jr., R-Tenn., says Federal Employees Should not get early retirement

2011-10-12T01:40:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Lawmaker urges end to early federal retirement

Snippet of Article: "...Rep. John Duncan Jr., R-Tenn., said in a letter last week to members of the congressional super committee. "As much as American lifespans have increased, we simply cannot afford to allow people to draw federal pensions at such young ages." ..."

Source: www.govexec.com

How are 'Federal Workers' going to protect their meager wages, Social Security, minimum wage laws and federal agencies against multi-billionaire ideologies?

2011-10-03T23:21:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Koch Brothers Flout Law With Secret Iran Sales

Snippet of Article: "...In 1980, David Koch ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket, pledging to abolish Social Security, the Federal Reserve System, welfare, minimum wage laws and federal agencies -- including the Department of Energy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency. ..."

Source: www.bloomberg.com
Social Security, the Federal Reserve System, welfare, minimum wage laws, Department of Energy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency,

How are 'Federal Workers' going to protect their meager wages, Social Security, minimum wage laws and federal agencies against multi-billionaire ideologies?

Federal agencies at cyber risk

2011-10-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

Article Title: GAO: Federal data at cyber risk

Snippet of Article: "...the report finds that the actions of federal employees — sometimes intentional and at other times accidental — can also pose cybersecurity risks to the government..."

Source: www.politico.com cyber threats, data security,

Federal Employees Leave Transfer Act of 2011

2011-09-26T23:39:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Congressmen Introduce “Federal Employees Leave Transfer Act of 2011”

Snippet of Article: "...Once enacted, federal employees will be permitted to donate their excess sick leave to agency leave banks, augmenting currently established annual leave banks. ..."

Source: moran.house.gov

a House recommendation would require federal employees to pay half the defined pension benefit

2011-09-23T06:27:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Deficit reduction pain for federal employees could be worse, some say

Snippet of Article: "...For example, the version of the fiscal 2012 budget resolution the House passed included a recommendation that would require federal employees to pay for half the defined benefit they receive with their pensions at retirement. ..."

Source: www.govexec.com
federal worker retirement, federal pensions,

Army Material Command offers buyouts

2011-09-21T01:52:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Buyouts beginning at Army

Snippet of Article: "...Army Materiel Command today said it is offering $25,000 buyouts to 33 civilian employees in its headquarters..."

Source: Federal Retirement News Army Materiel Command, Federal Employee Buyouts, Federal Employee Early Retirement, Voluntary Erarly Retirement Federal Retirement News

Government is outsourcing some functions that shouldn’t be outsourced

2011-09-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Gov’t contractors cost far more than federal workers

Snippet of Article: "...Government is outsourcing some functions that shouldn’t be outsourced at all. In many cases, outsourced functions are so specialized, with so few legitimate bidders for the job, that pricing competition is non-existent. You’re essentially seeking bids from a monopoly industry. ..."

Source: ajc.com
Government outsourcing

Service to America Medals

2011-09-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Top-notch federal workers honored for their service

Snippet of Article: "...The Service to America Medals — considered one of the most prestigious honors a civilian federal employees can receive — honored workers nominated by their peers for their work in the worlds of science, the military, national intelligence, justice, the environment and other government services...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com
Service to America Medals

Postal Service Announcement Expected Thursday, September 15, 2011

2011-09-14T22:39:00.001-05:00

Article Title: Postal Service Announcement

Snippet of Article: "...On September 15, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service has reported it will release to the media an announcement identifying a list of Area Mail Processing Feasibility Studies for..."

Source: The Postal Newsgroup Area Mail Processing Feasibility Studies

More attacks on Federal Pay

2011-09-13T12:29:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Obama's New Economic Chief Understands Federal Employee Pay

Snippet of Article: "...Early in his academic career, Krueger performed innovative work comparing the wages of federal employees to those of private sector workers...."

Source: www.weeklystandard.com Council of Economic Advisors, Alan Krueger,

Federal Workers Sharing 9-11 Stories

2011-09-11T11:19:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Federal workers share their post-9/11 realities

Snippet of Article: "...asked federal workers to share their stories of how the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 changed their lives as government employees. ..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Health plans for Congress same as all federal employees

2011-09-06T00:49:00.001-05:00

Article Title: PolitiFact: Health plans for Congress same as all federal employees

Snippet of Article: "...The same buffet of plans is available to federal government workers and members of Congress. They pick the plan that is best for them, and they pay the same price. In short, there is no discount for members of Congress, or their staffs...."

Source: www.tampabay.com

Federal diversity initiative

2011-08-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Article Title: OPM chief discusses new diversity initiative

Snippet of Article: "...Berry on Monday cited OPM's previous accomplishments bringing in veterans and people with disabilities, speeding the hiring process and simplifying the recruitment process as evidence that the new diversity program will work. ..."

Source: www.govexec.com
Federal diversity initiative

Snail mail to slow to a graveyard speed?

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Slower mail could save Postal Service $1.5B

Snippet of Article: "...Postal executives are seriously considering the idea and are expected to announce new plans regarding delivery schedules after Labor Day, according to USPS officials...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com
Snail Mail, Postal Disservice, Destruction of the Postal Service, Postmaster General Donahoe,

Even Warren Buffett realizes tax inequity

2011-08-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Stop Coddling the Super-Rich By WARREN E. BUFFETT

Snippet of Article: "...while most Americans struggle to make ends meet, we mega-rich continue to get our extraordinary tax breaks. Some of us are investment managers who earn billions from our daily labors but are allowed to classify our income as “carried interest,” thereby getting a bargain 15 percent tax rate. ..."

Source: www.nytimes.com

GAO study on federal long-term care insurance

2011-08-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Akaka releases GAO study on federal long-term care insurance

Snippet of Article: "...“The rate increases raised serious concerns about the management of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program and poor OPM oversight and communication with enrollees,” Akaka said. “As the need for long-term care has increased..."

Source: www.hawaii247.com

Postal Service wants to destroy union contracts and layoff 120,000

2011-08-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

Article Title: APWU Condemns USPS Proposals To Destroy Collective Bargaining, Crush Postal Workers

Snippet of Article: "...“The APWU will vehemently oppose any attempt to destroy the collective bargaining rights of postal employees or tamper with our recently-negotiated contract,” Guffey said. “Crushing postal workers and slashing service will not solve the Postal Service’s financial crisis...."

Source: www.apwu.org

Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood is a hero to the American working class and the FAA

2011-08-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Congress makes FAA deal: Ends needless layoffs. LaHood worked "24/7" for deal

Snippet of Article: "..."Congress' failure to reach a deal to extend FAA authorization before going home this week is no way to run a government. We can have our political battles, but we should not have them at the expense of working Americans."..."

Source: suntimes.com Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood, FAA,

American workers applaud Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood for speaking up for FAA workers

2011-08-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

Article Title: American workers applaud Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood for speaking up for FAA workers

Snippet of Article: "...Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood voiced a loud plea to Congress earlier, requesting they return from their five-week vacations, to put FAA employees back to work. ..."

Source: Federal Employee News FAA furlough, Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood,

Congress holding America (FAA) 'hostage' over anti-union agenda?

2011-08-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

Article Title: Ray LaHood: Americans being held 'hostage'

Snippet of Article: "...Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood kept up the pressure on members of Congress on Thursday, saying they are holding the American people “hostage” and calling on them to return to Washington to pass a bill extending funding for the Federal Aviation Administration...."

Source: www.politico.com anti-union

Debt Deal Could Cost Federal Jobs

2011-08-03T10:36:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Massive Federal Spending Cuts Will Worsen Economy

Snippet of Article: "..."Federal agencies will have to cut $7 billion from their current budgets under the first phase of this debt deal. This could mean cutting tens of thousands of federal jobs like Social Security claims representatives, doctors and nurses at VA hospitals, Border Patrol agents and EPA scientists...."

Source: www.sacbee.com Federal Jobs

TSP fund shifting during debt ceiling controversy

2011-08-01T09:56:00.001-05:00

Article Title: Ramsey: 'If I Was a Federal Worker, I'd Be Afraid'

Snippet of Article: "...Personal money management expert and national radio personality Dave Ramsey took a stab at answering some of these questions on his radio show this week...."

Source: www.fedsmith.com

Will Federal Workers get paid?

2011-07-30T12:26:00.003-05:00

Article Title: The priority list: Who will get paid if government defaults?

Snippet of Article: "...Likely losers: federal workers in jobs deemed non-essential, private contractors and state and local governments. ..."

Source: www.siliconvalley.com

Another post office closure study (List of offices provided)

2011-07-26T10:35:00.003-05:00

Article Title: Postal Service Takes Next Step in Optimizing Retail Network

Snippet of Article: "...the U.S. Postal Service announced today that it will be taking the next step in right-sizing its expansive retail network by conducting studies of approximately 3,700 retail offices to determine customer needs...."

Source: usps.com

Here is the list Expanded Access study list

FAA Employees to be Furloughed

2011-07-25T09:44:00.001-05:00

Article Title: Thousands of FAA Employees to be Furloughed

Snippet of Article: "...The furloughs come as Congress can't agree on an extension of the agency's funding...."

Source: www.myfoxdc.com

Will a government shutdown result if the debt ceiling is not raised?

2011-07-17T22:17:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Federal workers ask for information on possible government shutdown

Snippet of Article: "...federal workers have written to the administration to find out who will be expendable..."

Source: thehill.com

Fear of potential shifts in federal government retirement benefits

2011-07-12T23:01:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Change in COLA Formula Opposed

Snippet of Article: "...NARFE and other federal employee-focused organizations, however, fear potential shifts in federal government retirement benefits...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com federal government retirement benefits

1.6 percent pay increase for service personnel for 2012 on track

2011-07-07T17:38:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Defense Budget Increase Sailing Through House

Snippet of Article: "...In addition to a 1.6 percent pay increase for service personnel, the fine print of the bill includes dozens of projects favored by individual legislators whose districts benefit from Pentagon spending...."

Source: gooznews.com

legislator that would harm federal employees?

2011-06-27T22:58:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Constituents, Union to Protest Anti-Worker Lawmaker

Snippet of Article: "...The American Federation of Government Employees is organizing the rally outside Rep. Scott's West Ashley office to bring attention to policies being championed by the legislator that would harm federal employees and hard-working Americans in South Carolina and across the country...."

Source: www.prnewswire.com

How about a five percent pay cut?

2011-06-27T10:57:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Unions urge administration to protect FERS pensions

Snippet of Article: "...an increase in employee contributions represents a selective rise in payroll tax that could exceed 5 percent of employees' income. ..."

Source: www.govexec.com

Postal Service suspends pension payments

2011-06-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Postal Service suspends retirement payments

Snippet of Article: "...“The Postal Service believes there will be no impact on employees. Also, the action will have no impact on current retirees,” said David A. Partenheimer, a Postal Service spokesperson. ..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com USPS pension payments

President's Veterans Employment Initiative 2010 Increases Veterans Federal Employment Numbers

2011-06-21T00:59:00.001-05:00

Article Title: More Than 72,000 Veterans Hired in Federal Government in FY 2010

President Obama's Veterans Employment Initiative Succeeding

Washington, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, a document which tells a success story of the hiring of 72,133 veterans in the federal government in FY 2010. This is an increase of approximately 2,000 more veterans than were hired in FY 2009.

"Through the President's Veterans Employment Initiative, OPM and our agency partners are helping tens of thousands of veterans and their families continue their legacy of service," said OPM Director John Berry. "These are some of the best, brightest and hardest-working Americans in the federal government. While we've accomplished a lot in the first year, too many veterans are still unemployed and we're going to keep pushing to do even better going forward."

The document also highlights two other important accomplishments. First, 25.6 percent of total new hires across the federal government in FY 2010 were veterans. This is a 1.6 percentage point increase from FY 2009. Second, of the veterans hired in FY 2010, 23,140 are disabled veterans compared to 20,448 in FY 2009. This is a 1.2 percentage point increase.

To view Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch for FY 2010, please visit www.FedsHireVets.gov.

- end -

Source: http://www.opm.gov/news/more-than-72000-veterans-hired-in-federal-government-in-fy-2010,1672.aspx

Rep. Darrell Issa wants more federal workforce reductions

2011-06-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Shrink federal workforce by 10%: House GOP

Snippet of Article: "...10% by 2015. For every three retiring federal workers, the government would only be allowed to hire one replacement. The measure would would save an estimated $127.5 billion over 10 years if adopted, according to Reps. Darrell Issa of California, Dennis Ross of Florida and Jason Chaffetz of Utah, the bill's sponsors...."

Source: cnn.com

Who wants to cut the salary of federal employees?

2011-05-25T23:45:00.001-05:00

Article Title: Presidential hopeful would freeze federal salaries, reduce retirement benefits

Snippet of Article: "...GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty on Wednesday called for freezing government salaries, reducing benefits and shrinking the federal workforce. ..."

Source: www.govexec.com

Changes in FERS?

2011-05-24T10:07:00.000-05:00

Article Title: 20 Percent Hike In Your Health Premiums?

Snippet of Article: "...The presidential commission on deficit reduction chaired by former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) and former White House aide Erskine Bowles (National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform) produced a laundry list of cuts that would be presented to Congress...."

Source: www.federalnewsradio.com Federal Employee Cuts, Federal Employee Health Benefits,

Republican Senators: End FERS’s defined benefit pension

2011-05-17T09:59:00.000-05:00

Article Title: How federal worker pensions might be targeted

Snippet of Article: "...Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) in March introduced a bill that would end FERS’s defined benefit pension for new employees beginning in 2013...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com Federal Employee Retirement

Federal Employee of the Year to be presented on September 15

2011-05-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Finalists Announced for Outstanding Federal Employees

Snippet of Article: "...The finalists are contenders for eight prestigious Sammies, including Federal Employee of the Year, set to be presented on September 15 at a Washington, D.C. black-tie gala. The Service to America Medals have earned a reputation as the most prestigious awards dedicated to celebrating America’s civil servants...."

Source: www.fedsmith.com
Federal Employee of the Year,

Hatch Act Reminder for Federal Employees

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Officials remind federal employees about Obama photos during campaign season

Snippet of Article: "...The Hatch Act prohibits government employees from engaging in political activity while on the job or using government vehicles. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which enforces the law, regularly updates its official guidance on the law around campaign season...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com Hatch Act

Suspicious boxes found at Federal Reserve Bank in Detroit last week

2011-04-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Detroit Police Bomb Squad called into Federal Reserve Bank in Detroit

Snippet of Article: "...The Detroit Police Department Bomb Squad has given the all-clear after being called in to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Detroit Branch Monday morning...."

Source: www.wxyz.com Federal Reserve Bank in Detroit

Paul Ryan is reverse of Robin Hood

2011-04-16T09:42:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Paul Ryan's Budget Plan: Trillions for the Rich, Pain for Everyone Else

Snippet of Article: "...The tax cuts that conservatives have been pushing shows that they are not serious about addressing government deficits and debt. What they are serious about is increasing the wealth of the rich...."

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Republican budget cuts Federal Pay

2011-04-15T15:23:00.000-05:00

Article Title: House passes bill that would cut fed pay, benefits

Snippet of Article: "...The House on Friday passed a Republican budget plan for fiscal 2012 that would freeze federal employees' step increases and pay raises for five years, cut the government's workforce by 10 percent, and require feds to pay much more into their pension plans...."

Source: www.federaltimes.com federal employee pay, Federal Pay Freeze, Federal Step Increase Freeze, Federal Job Cuts,

The secret budget ... or protecting the elite ...DC Mayor arrested while protesting

2011-04-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Budget cut details hammered out in secrecy

Snippet of Article: "...since they don’t know what the cuts will be and have no input in the process, they have no way of persuading lawmakers to take action.

“It’s very frustrating, because there are no details — we’re all waiting for information,’’ said Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association...."

Source: www.boston.com secret budget, budget details, Attacks on working class, DC Mayor arrested, protesting budget,

Budget Details

2011-04-10T22:58:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Schumer: Details of budget cuts arriving Monday

Snippet of Article: "...“The cuts are across the board. Everybody gives some pain,” Schumer said. “But as for the specifics, those are going to be published Monday.”..."

Source: cnn.com budget details, budget cuts,

Shutdown averted

2011-04-08T23:53:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Here's How Paul Ryan's Budget Plan Screws Old People

Snippet of Article: "...the vouchers will cover less and less of the costs that Medicare covers today...."

Source: www.businessinsider.com Federal shutdown averted

Will you get paid in a government shutdown?

2011-04-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Who gets paid if government shuts down?

Snippet of Article: "...active duty military and civilian government workers could see some of their pay delayed in a shutdown...."

Source: www.pnj.com Government shutdown pay, retirement pay during shutdown,

Government Shutdown News

2011-04-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Government Shutdown: What to Expect

Snippet of Article: "...the reality of a possible government shutdown sets in, Washington Wire looks at what to expect from a temporary closure..."

Source: blogs.wsj.com Government shutdown news, Federal Shutdown news, shutdown news

Government shutdown and unemployment

2011-04-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Furloughed federal workers can apply for unemployment

Snippet of Article: "...You file in the state in which you work, but it's different in each jurisdiction. ..."

Source: www.wtop.com Federal Government shutdown and unemployment

Government Shutdown: Abortion Agenda or Budget

2011-04-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Reid Says Democrats Agree to $38 Billion in U.S. Budget Cuts

Snippet of Article: "...The two sides had agreed on everything but a $300 million cut for Planned Parenthood that House Republicans want included in a budget resolution to carry the government through the rest of the 2011 fiscal year, one Democratic official said earlier today. ..."

Source: www.bloomberg.com Federal Shutdown, Government Shutdown,

How would a Government Shutdown affect you?

2011-04-07T08:51:00.001-05:00

Article Title: How a government shutdown might affect you

Snippet of Article: "...Recipients of entitlement checks such as Social Security and Welfare can also rest easy. The government would continue to send out checks..."

Source: www.examiner.com Federal Shutdown, Government Shutdown, shutdown plans,

Guidance and Information on Federal Furlough Website Announced

2011-04-05T23:32:00.000-05:00

Article Title: The Potential Impact of a Lapse in Appropriations on Federal Employees

Snippet of Article: "...The President has made it clear that he does not want a government shutdown, and the Administration is willing and ready to work day and night to find a solution that all sides can agree with. That said, given the realities of the calendar, prudent management requires we plan for an orderly shutdown should the negotiations not be completed by the end of the current continuing resolution...."

Source: www.opm.gov/furlough2011 government shutdown guidance, federal employee furlough,

OPM request that federal health insurance programs provide incentives

2011-04-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

Article Title: OPM asks health insurers to provide incentives for wellness programs

Snippet of Article: "...told representatives of companies providing coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program that they should encourage healthy lifestyles by offering “concrete incentives to participate in wellness and prevention activities.”..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Federal shutdown news

2011-04-04T11:14:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Feared federal shutdown is bad, but it's not end of world

Snippet of Article: "...What about the mail? What about the parks and forests? What about our wars?..."

Source: www.greatfallstribune.com federal shutdown

Requesting Veterans' Service Records

2011-03-31T22:29:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Requesting Veterans' Service Records

Snippet of Article: "...Request records online with eVetRecs, Other Methods to Obtain Military Service Records, What's available online?, Locate older (pre-WW I) military service records, Using military records for genealogical research, Other military and veterans records, replace lost or damaged medals and awards ..."

Source: militaryvetnews.blogspot.com

White House is telling agencies not to talk about shutdown consequences

2011-03-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Federal agencies guarded on possible shutdown plans

Snippet of Article: "...It continued: "Agencies should not be previewing shutdown plans — that is, policy and operational decisions — in any way." Agencies were instructed to clear any responses to questions about their shutdown plans with OMB...."

Source: www.usatoday.com Government shutdown

AFGE represented employee rights and protections during a government shutdown

2011-03-27T22:58:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Union demands concessions in the event of a government shutdown

Snippet of Article: "...the American Federation of Government Employees is taking a proactive approach in its planning, offering its members a detailed explanation of what the union sees as their rights and protections...."

Source: www.govexec.com

USPS offering $20,000 buyouts, shutting seven district offices

2011-03-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

Article Title: USPS to eliminate front-line supervisor positions

Snippet of Article: "...Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe has said will eliminate some 7,500 administrative, postmaster and front-line supervisory positions...."

Source: www.federaltimes.com Postal Supervisor cuts

S.644 would eliminate pension portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System

2011-03-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Senator proposes cuts to federal annuity benefits

Snippet of Article: "...Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., on Thursday introduced a bill (S. 644) that would eliminate the pension portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System for all new government hires beginning in 2013...."

Source: www.govexec.com S. 644

Federal Shutdown would halt some pay

2011-03-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Shutdown would halt military pay

Snippet of Article: "...The memo states all military personnel would have to work without pay. But many civilian employees would be furloughed. ..."

Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

Postal Workers Settle Union Contract (tentative collective bargaining agreement)

2011-03-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

Article Title: Highlights of the New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Snippet of Article: "...COLAs for 2011 were waived, and COLAs for 2012 are deferred until 2013...."

Source: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com

TSA officer accused of aiding drug suspects

2011-03-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

Article Title: TSA officer accused of aiding drug suspects

Snippet of Article: "...The 43-year-old Transportation Security Administration employee was arrested on charges that she provided information to suspected drug traffickers and helped them get past security checkpoints with minimum scrutiny...."

Source: www.buffalonews.com Minnetta Walker, TSA, behavioral detection officer, Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Threats against a Federal Employee

2011-03-12T10:57:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Man Accused of Threatening Federal Employee

Snippet of Article: "...A Port Washington man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill a Social Security employee over the phone on Wednesday...."

Source: www.longislandpress.com

Postal Service will not cut 30,000 but expects reductions of 30,000 this year

2011-03-10T21:27:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Despite reports, Postal Service not cutting 30,000 jobs

Snippet of Article: "...In response to declining mail volume, the Postal Service has cut more than 230,000 positions in recent years by implementing hiring freezes, offering early retirement packages or through attrition...."

Source: washingtonpost.com USPS early retirement packages

Postal Service to cut 30,000 by end of year

2011-03-10T00:37:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Postal Service to cut 7,500 positions this month, 30,000 by end of year

Snippet of Article: "...He said the Postal Service will use attrition and early retirement offers to reach that number and is weighing whether to use buyouts as well. If the Postal Service resorts to using a buyout offer, it will be targeted and not organizationwide, he said...."

Source: www.federaltimes.com Postal Early Retirement 2011

U.S. Marshals Shot

2011-03-08T11:08:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Two U.S. Marshals and One Cop Wounded in Shootout

Snippet of Article: "...The U.S. Marshals service announced the agent had succumbed to his wounds and died, but later retracted the statement to say he was in critical condition. ..."

Source: abcnews.go.com

Reservist Income Replacement Program for Federal Employees

2011-03-05T09:56:00.001-06:00

Article Title: Reservist Income Replacement Program for Federal Employees

A memorandum was released on 3/3/2011 to heads of executive departments and agencies relating to 'Recent Pay-Related Legislative Changes'. The memo identifies several changes in Federal employee pay administration resulting from the enactment of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2011 (Public Law 111-383, January 7, 2011). The following is the text of the memo relating to Reservist Income:

Sections 601 and 611 amend the Reserve Income Replacement Program authority under 37 U.S.C. 910. The Reserve Income Replacement Program is administered by the Department of Defense and provides income replacement payments for certain reserve component members experiencing extended and frequent mobilization for active duty service. Subsection 601(a) amends 37 U.S.C. 910(b) to clarify that a civilian employee of the Federal Government who is also a member of a reserve component is not entitled to a payment under section 910(b) for any period for which the employee is entitled to (1) a reservist differential payment under 5 U.S.C. 5538, or (2) a comparable benefit under an administratively established program for civilian employees absent from a position of employment with the Federal Government in order to perform active duty in the uniformed services. Subsection 611(7) amends 37 U.S.C. 910(g) to extend the expiration date for the Reserve Income Replacement Program from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011.

Source: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=3567 Reservist Income Replacement

Government Shutdown Avoided

2011-03-01T22:19:00.001-06:00

Article Title: House Passes Stopgap Spending Bill, Averting Shutdown

Snippet of Article: "...Passage of the short-term measure will set a two-week time frame for negotiations on a bill to keep the government running through Sept. 30. The White House and leaders of both parties in both houses will be involved in the talks...."

Source: www.cnbc.com

TSP enrollment up, new fund...

2011-03-01T10:18:00.000-06:00

Article Title: TSP sees boost in overall enrollment, new fund participation

Snippet of Article: "...Thrift Savings Plan is continuing to see growth in its new investment fund, along with overall federal employee participation, officials said on Monday..."

Source: www.govexec.com federal employee TSP

Challenging government sponsorships of pro sports

2011-02-26T09:57:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Reg Wydeven column: Government sponsorships of professional sports challenged

Snippet of Article: "...During the glory days of Lance Armstrong's professional cycling career, the U.S. Postal Service spent $31.9 million to sponsor his racing team from 2001 to 2004. This amounted to approximately 65 percent of the team's total budget and may help explain part of the USPS' $7 billion deficit..."

Source: Federal Employee News, Pro Sports and Government Money

House passes bill to cut 800,000 Federal Jobs

2011-02-23T08:36:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Perlmutter blasts House for passing bill to cut 800,000 federal jobs

Snippet of Article: "...The Colorado delegation voted strictly on party lines, with all four Republicans voting in favor of the bill and the three Democrats voting in opposition...."

Source: coloradoindependent.com

Will Dems Give In to Republican Cuts to Avoid Shutdown?

2011-02-23T08:17:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Government Shutdown Chicken

Snippet of Article: "...Republicans meanwhile are planning to send a short term budget to the Senate, with some cutbacks in it, to keep the government running for 30 days, daring Democrats to allow a government shutdown...."

Source: ajc.com

Politicians Attacking Federal Employee Unions

2011-02-18T19:30:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Lawmakers move to halt step increases, other raises for rest of year

Snippet of Article: "...Another Rokita amendment would bar federal employees from being paid for time spent working for or on behalf of a union or other labor organization...."

Source: www.federaltimes.com

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents Shot in Mexico

2011-02-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

Article Title: 2 ICE Agents Shot, 1 Killed in Mexico

Snippet of Article: "...two U.S. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents were shot in the line of duty today approximately 100 miles outside Mexico City...."

Source: www.cbsnews.com

Federal Marshals Shot

2011-02-16T10:49:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Federal Marshals Wounded in Elkins

Snippet of Article: "...Three deputy U.S. Marshals are recovering from gunshot wounds suffered Wednesday morning in the line of duty. ..."

Source: www.wvmetronews.com Federal Marshals

Federal jobs offer options

2011-02-13T10:52:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Federal jobs offer options

Snippet of Article: "..."Across the country, there has been a renewed interest in federal jobs," said Andrew Harper, the internship coordinator at the St. Edward's University Career Planning office. "The millennial generation has indicated in research that they want to have a purpose or make a difference in their careers."..."

Source: www.hilltopviewsonline.com Federal Employment

Feds support social media freedom of speech

2011-02-12T18:18:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Feds settle case of woman fired over Facebook site

Snippet of Article: "...Employers should think twice before trying to restrict workers from talking about their jobs on Facebook (News - Alert) or other social media...."

Source: tmcnet.com

Pay Under the General Schedule and Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentives

2011-01-31T10:24:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Pay Under the General Schedule and Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentives

Snippet of Article: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing
proposed regulations to improve oversight of group recruitment
incentive determinations and all retention incentives; add succession
planning to the list of factors that an agency may consider before
approving a retention incentive; provide that OPM may require data on
recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives from agencies on an
annual basis; and make additional minor clarifications and corrections.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 8, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN number ``3206-
AM13,'' using either of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Jerome D. Mikowicz, Deputy Associate Director, Pay and Leave,
Employee Services, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900
E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20415-8200.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carey Jones by telephone at (202) 606-
2858; by fax at (202) 606-0824; or by e-mail at pay-leave-policy@opm.gov.

Source: Federal Register

Impersonating Federal Employees

2011-01-29T10:29:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Three Arrested for Impersonating Federal Employees in Immigration Scam

Snippet of Article: "...The Office of the Nevada Attorney General, in cooperation with State and Federal authorities, Friday arrested three people in connection with a nationwide immigration scam that entailed impersonating Federal employees of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). ..."

Source: www.kolotv.com

Federal Workforce Cuts?

2011-01-21T20:53:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Spending Reduction Act of 2011

Snippet of Article: "....Federal Workforce Reforms: Eliminate automatic pay increases for civilian federal workers for five years. Additionally, cut the civilian workforce by a total of 15 percent through attrition. Allow the hiring of only one new worker for every two workers who leave federal employment until the reduction target has been met...."

Source: house.gov

Federal Worker Furloughs?

2011-01-18T23:46:00.000-06:00

Article Title: Two GOP freshmen to handle federal worker issues

Snippet of Article: "...The future of federal pay and benefits could be especially contentious. President Obama last year ordered a two-year pay freeze for all federal employees, but the bipartisan deficit commission and several Republican lawmakers want to use a three-year pay freeze, furloughs and attrition to cut the government's payroll by billions of dollars in the next decade. ..."

Source: washingtonpost.com