Obama Moves to Reverse Bush’s Labor Policies

Article Title: Obama Moves to Reverse Bush’s Labor Policies
Snippet from Article: "...The orders he signed, which union officials say will undo Bush administration policies that tilted toward employers, would require federal contractors to offer jobs to current workers when contracts change, and would make it more difficult for federal contractors to discourage union activities...."
Source: www.nytimes.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

78000 New Federal Union Members

Article Title: 78000 New Federal Union Members
Snippet from Article: "...According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership in the federal sector rose by 78,000 workers between 2007 and 2008, a 1.3 percent total increase in the number of federal workers in unions...."
Source: blogs.govexec.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Postal Service May See Radical Changes ...are they for the best?

The following links relate to today's Hearing and the future of the Postal Service. You must read carefully and completely to understand the dynamics of the situation in full.

STATEMENT OF POSTMASTER GENERAL/CEO JOHN E. POTTER BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, FEDERAL SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE JANUARY 28, 2009
"...Contracts with the two unions that alone represent almost 75 percent of our 652,000 career employees – the American Postal Workers Union and the National Association of Letter Carriers – do not expire until late 2010 and late 2011. We cannot wait until then to address what are pressing needs today. So I am proposing to union leadership that we begin talks now to create needed levels of workforce flexibility. ..."
Article Reference Source: www.intelisent.com

Key Points Made By Witnesses before the
Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security "... Senator Susan Collins:

* Enactment of PAEA was an arduous process.
* We need to continue the nation's universal postal services. Mail is still a key part of the nation's economic infrastructure.
* The current recession has placed the Postal Service back on the congressional agenda.
* The question has been raised as to whether the Postal Service is trying to use this crisis as a way of pulling away from PAEA.
* The PAEA retiree payments were a key part of the negotiating to make PAEA possible.
* A rwo-year reprieve is doable. Beyond two years make take too much pressure off the USPS to respond to its other challenges.
* GAO has been disappointed with the USPS' responses. GAO expressed frustration with the USPS' lack of transparency.
* Very disappointed that the proposed solution is the elimination of the six-day a week delivery requirement. Service cutbacks also can impact mail volume adversely.
* Already received many complaints from publishers in Maine. Service has been compromised.
* I don't know how you can ask for relief while proposing cutbacks in service that could precipitate further losses.
* I'm very concerned about the lack of the Postal Service's financial transparency. You're coming to Congress for relief with the needed transparency. This is unacceptable.
..."
Article Reference Source: www.postcom.org

Video: Title: The Impact of the Economic Crisis on the U.S. Postal Service
"... U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security ..."
Article Reference Source: hsgac.senate.gov

Area offices to reduce staffing levels
"... With this action, complement at Area Offices has been reduced – some vacant positions have been eliminated, while other occupied positions are impacted. Starting this week, employees occupying impacted positions will be notified and given information and guidance...."
Article Reference Source: www.postalnewsblog.com

Hearing on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on the U.S. Postal Service

Article Title: Hearing on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on the U.S. Postal Service
Snippet from Article: "...the hearing will be to examine how changes in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) could improve Postal Service operations so it can better weather the current economic downturn.
..."
Source: postal-edaily

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

The Employee's Guide to Reduction in Force Benefits

Article Title: The Employee's Guide to Reduction in Force Benefits
Snippet from Article: "...If you are affected by reduction in force (RIF), you may have many questions about how your employee benefits will be affected. The information presented in this guide is intended to provide an overview of these benefits and entitlements. The information is general in nature and cannot cover every situation. It may not be applicable to every Federal employee. If you need more specific information, please contact your servicing human resources office...."
Source: www.opm.gov

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Choosing the right day to retire can be a science

Article Title: Choosing the right day to retire can be a science
Snippet from Article: "...an employee can maximize their annuity, which goes into effect the day after retirement. Annuity is based on completed years and months of service...."
Source: www.tinkertakeoff.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Preserve Raptor Jobs Now

Article Title: Preserve Raptor Jobs Now
Snippet from Article: "...urge Members of Congress and the new Administration to take immediate action to release funds already authorized to continue production of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor. Keeping the production line of this model aerospace program open currently requires no additional taxpayer dollars, and is not a rescue or bailout. Rather, it will allow us to maintain a healthy program that delivers considerable economic benefit while providing our Air Force with appropriate numbers of the best fighter aircraft ever made. Production of this aircraft is in jeopardy—and with it more than 95,000 American jobs, over $12 billion in national economic activity, and the superiority of America’s Air Force..."
Source: The Missile Defense Briefing

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

What are the top three federal civilian employee unions?

What are the top three federal civilian employee unions?

Answer: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Treasury Employee Union (NATEU), and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

A Look at Federal Employee Unions

Article Title: A Look at Federal Employee Unions
Snippet from Article: "...Fed workers looking for additional job security and workplace protections might find their answer in union membership. Federal unions represent a diverse group of federal civilian employees, mainly those who would be classified as white collar or service industry workers..."
Source: ohmygov.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

OPM reports it’s ready to handle influx of clearance investigations

Article Title: OPM reports it’s ready to handle influx of clearance investigations
Snippet from Article: "...The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 requirements dictate that every new federal employee must complete a background and fingerprint check aside ..."
Source: www.federaltimes.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Air Force One - National Geographic Special

Article Title: Air Force One - National Geographic Special
Snippet from Article: "... The top secret mission that risked everything. ..."
Source: www.nationalgeographic.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Federal authorities release sketches of suspects in robbery at Fairfield post office

"...Robinson said the U. S. Postal Service is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information and services that lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects..."  
Source: blog.al.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Washington's Wealth Boom

Article Title: Washington's Wealth Boom
Snippet from Article: "...in 2005, the average federal employee made $106,579 per year including benefits, about twice as much as the average person makes in the private sector. ..."
Source: www.foxnews.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Government Employee Benefits

Article Title: Government Employee Benefits
Snippet from Article: "...Federal government employees enjoy a wide range of "family-friendly" benefits that go far beyond insurance and retirement. Each agency is free to offer its own benefits package. The following is a sample of the benefits available to permanent Federal employee...."
Source: usgovinfo.about.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

TSP Tip

A Simple Change to Your TSP Contributions Could Save You Money

Article Title: A Simple Change to Your TSP Contributions Could Save You Money
Snippet from Article: "...federal employees under the FERS system should be careful when adjusting their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions each year...."
Source: www.fedsmith.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

2009 Disabled Veteran Compensation Rates

Article Title: VA Disability Compensation Rates
Snippet from Article: "...tables show the 2009 VA compensation rates for veterans with a disability rating 10 percent or higher. These rates are effective as of 1 December, 2008...."
Source: www.military.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Instant Depression

Article Title: Instant Depression
Snippet from Article: "...Many, if not most, federal, postal and military investors in the federal Thrift Savings Plan are not happy with their account balances right now. Unless they had most or all of their money in the G and F funds...."
Source: www.federalnewsradio.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

Top technology advances of 2008

Article Title: Top technology advances of 2008
Snippet from Article: "...In March of 2007, the Office of Management and Budget issued its “Implementation of Commonly Accepted Security Configurations for Windows Operating Systems” memo mandating government agencies to standardize the configuration of approximately 300 configurations to bolster security with the release of Microsoft Vista™. ..."
Source: Carolyn Brubaker at FutureFed - The Microsoft Federal Blog

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

USPS Presidential Inaguration Commemorative Souvenir

Article Title: USPS Presidential Inaguration Commemorative Souvenir
Snippet from Article: "...A collectible stamped envelope with silk portraits of the newly elected President Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joseph Biden. An official commemorative Inaugural Digital Color Postmark...."
Source: www.usps.com

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]

FBI Jobs

Article Title: FBI Jobs
Snippet from Article: "...FBI MEGA HIRING TO FILL OVER 2100 PROFESSIONAL STAFF POSITIONS! UPDATES WILL BE ADDED DAILY THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2009. QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL STAFF CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A CAREER INVITATIONAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE FBI MUST HIRE 850 SPECIAL AGENTS...."
Source: www.fbijobs.gov

[tag]Federal,Government,Military,Retiree, [/tag]