Apr 17, 2011

McNamara Federal Building Bomb Suspect Gary John Mikulich


Federal building bomb suspect has long history of mental illness; psychiatrist: "danger to others"


'...The FBI says 42-year-old Gary John Mikulich left a tool bag filled with an explosive device outside the McNamara Federal Building in Detroit. ...'


Reference: www.wxyz.com
Tags: McNamara Federal Building Bomb

Apr 16, 2011

Drastic shift in House Republicans’ view of federal workers


Drastic shift in House Republicans’ view of federal workers


'...“I think, frankly, the committee has engaged in a broad assault on federal employees in every aspect,” Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.) said after the hearing. Why else, he asked, would the panel “spend hours and hours on a bill of such little import?”...'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Tags:

Apr 15, 2011

Federal workers who are seriously delinquent on taxes face trouble under new...


House Panel Passes Bill Cracking Down on Tax Delinquent Federal Workers


'...would terminate the employment of federal workers who are seriously delinquent on their taxes and another that prevents seriously delinquent taxpayers from getting a job with the federal workforce....'


Reference: www.foxnews.com
Tags:

House Passes Republican Budget Plan ...more privatization


House Passes Republican Plan in Partisan Vote


'...the GOP plan would transform the nation's Medicare program, changing it from a government-run system that pays seniors' health bills into a system where seniors buy insurance plans...'


Reference: abcnews.go.com
Tags: Medicare

Apr 13, 2011

2012 Federal Holidays


2012 Federal Holidays


Monday, January 2* New Year's Day
Monday, January 16 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 20** Washington's Birthday
Monday, May 28 Memorial Day
Wednesday, July 4 Independence Day
Monday, September 3 Labor Day
Monday, October 8 Columbus Day
Monday, November 12*** Veterans Day
Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving Day
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day

* January 1, 2012 (the legal public holiday for New Year's Day), falls on a Sunday. For most Federal employees, Monday, January 2, will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. (See section 3(a) of Executive order 11582, February 11, 1971.)

** This holiday is designated as "Washington's Birthday" in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.

*** November 11, 2012 (the legal public holiday for Veterans Day), falls on a Sunday. For most Federal employees, Monday, November 12, will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. (See section 3(a) of Executive order 11582, February 11, 1971.)

Reference: www.opm.gov
Tags: 2012 Federal Holidays

Apr 12, 2011

DC Mayor Vincent Gray arrested while protesting budget


DC mayor arrested protesting budget restrictions


'...Mayor Vincent Gray and six Council members including the chairman were among 41 people arrested Monday outside the Capitol while protesting the changes that might be inevitable. ...'


Reference: www.msnbc.msn.com
Tags:

Apr 10, 2011

Rep. George Miller (CA) Statement on Budget Agreement


Miller Statement on Budget Agreement


'..."The American people have been told the agreement contains both 'historic' and 'painful' cuts. The question will be painful for whom.

"Poor and middle class families have already received more than their fair share of pain in this economy while the wealthy and special interests have paid no price. ...'


Reference: georgemiller.house.gov
Tags: Press release, Rep. George Miller (CA),Supporter of the working class,

Apr 8, 2011

Government shutdown averted


Officials Tout Last-Minute Government Shutdown Deal


'...The Senate passed a temporary resolution to keep the government funded beyond midnight, when it was scheduled to run out, until the full agreement can be drawn up and passed by Congress. That short-term bridge included the first $2 billion in cuts, officials said. ...'


Reference: abcnews.go.com
Tags: Government shutdown averted

Unemployment during government shutdown


Are employees entitled to unemployment compensation while on furlough?


'...It is possible that furloughed employees may become eligible for unemployment compensation. State unemployment compensation requirements differ. Some States require a 1-week waiting period before an individual qualifies for payments. Agencies or employees should submit questions to the appropriate State (or District of Columbia) office. In general, the law of the State in which an employee’s last official duty station in Federal civilian service was located will be the State law that determines eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. (See the Department of Labor website "Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees" at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/unemcomp.asp.)...'


Reference: Department of Labor
Tags: Unemployment during government shutdown, Federal shutdown and unemployment,

Federal Shutdown and Military Pay


Government shutdown 101: What does it mean for the military?


'...The Pentagon will continue military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, but US troops will work without pay, according to guidance issued late Thursday by the Defense Department....'


Reference: www.csmonitor.com
Tags: Government shutdown and military pay

OMB Federal Employee Shutdown Guidance from Past Furloughs


OMB bulletins and memoranda that were used in connection with past furloughs.


'...OMB Memorandum M-11-13, Planning for Agency Operations During a Lapse in Government Funding (April 7, 2011); OMB Circular A-11, July 2010; OMB Bulletin M-95-18 transmitting 8/16/95 Department of Justice opinion, (August 22, 1995); OMB Memorandum M-91-02, Agency Operations in the Absence of Appropriations, (October 5, 1990); OMB Bulletin No. 80-14, Supplement No. 1, Agency Operations in the Absence of Appropriations, (August 20, 1982); OMB Memorandum, Agency Operations in the Absence of Appropriations, (November 17, 1981); OMB Bulletin 80-14, Shutdown of Agency Operations Upon Failure by the Congress to Enact Appropriations, (August 28, 1980); ...'


Reference: www.opm.gov
Tags: [tag]federal government furlough 2011, opm furlough 2011, www.opm.gov/furlough2011, furlough government employees 2011, furlough federal employees 2011, government employee furlough, opm furlough, federal shutdown, furlough for federal employees 2011, omb furlough guidance, [/tag]

House GOP pressing to limit EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases in budget talks


Shutdown threat: It's about more than money


'...Another would ban the District of Columbia from sending local tax money to groups that provide access to abortions.

The House GOP also is pressing for several provisions related to the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases....'


Reference: seattletimes.nwsource.com
Tags:

Apr 7, 2011

Federal Furlough Lawsuit


Union files lawsuit regarding government shutdown


'...The American Federation of Government Employees filed a lawsuit in federal court on March 30 seeking details on agencies’ shutdown plans, AFGE National President John Gage announced today at a National Press Club newsmaker event....'


Reference: www.afge.org
Tags:

Guidance for Employees Facing Furlough


Fed Agency Offers Guidance for Employees Facing Shutdown


'...Federal employees uncertain of whether they are going to work next week can reference a one-page document from the federal Office of Personnel Management for answers....'


Reference: www.nbcwashington.com
Tags: Guidance for Employees Facing Shutdown, Federal Employee Furlough,

Federal Employee Furlough and Shutdown Q and A


Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Shutdowns and Furloughs


'...Understandably, this situation has generated some anxiety among federal employees regarding how a government shutdown would affect them. Of particular concern is the fact that many federal employees would be “furloughed” or released without pay for the duration of that shutdown....'


Reference: ourpublicservice.org
Tags: Federal Employee Furlough, DoD Furlough, Federal Shutdown,

Apr 5, 2011

OPM Federal Furlough Shutdown Information and Guidance Website Announced


Guidance and Information on Furlough


'...Federal agencies do not have the authority to pay their employees during a shutdown, regardless of whether the employees are working as "excepted" or furloughed as "non-excepted". "Excepted" employees will receive pay for hours worked when the Congress passes and the President signs a new appropriation or continuing resolution. Congress will also determine whether "non-excepted" employees will receive pay for the furlough period. ...'


Reference: http://www.opm.gov/furlough2011/
Tags: Federal Employee Furlough Information, Government Shutdown Guidance

Prepare for a Federal Shutdown


Preparing for a federal shutdown


'...But what should you do if the federal government shuts down?

As you may know, a government shutdown, like the one experienced in 1995, is a very real possibility. Congress recently acted to...'


Reference: www.dailynews.com
Tags: government shutdown, Federal Furlough,

Apr 4, 2011

Government Shutdown Friday ?


Government Shutdown Could Come Friday


'...However, both sides seem confident that an agreement will be reached before Friday. ...'


Reference: www.9and10news.com
Tags: Government Shutdown

Mar 31, 2011

Verizon CEO Warns Government Shutdown Will Stunt Economic Recovery


Verizon CEO Warns Government Shutdown Will Stunt Economic Recovery


'...During a press call yesterday for the Business Roundtable's Q1 CEO survey, Verizon (VZ) chief executive Ivan Seidenberg weighed in on the looming prospect of a US government shutdown....'


Reference: www.minyanville.com
Tags:

Mar 29, 2011

Federal Shutdown Likely?


Federal Shutdown Becoming Likely With 10 Days to Go


'...Reaching a federal budget accord in Congress by the April 8 deadline "appears increasingly difficult to achieve" making a government shutdown "more likely," according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. ...'


Reference: www.beckershospitalreview.com
Tags:

Mar 27, 2011

'Excepted' employees are required to work during a shutdown


Government Shutdown Overview


'...On April 8 the current resolution comes to an end, so federal agencies are preparing for a possible government shutdown if legislators of both parties can’t reach an agreement....'


Reference: compoundcaptive via tucsoncitizen.com
Tags: Federal Employee Furlough

Mar 25, 2011

March 25 U.S. Postal Service Announcement

This post is courtesy of The Postal Newsgroup

The highly anticipated March 25 USPS announcement is referenced below as found on the USPS' website. The largest majority of the information was put out yesterday (March 24, 2011) detailing the district closings, the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), The financial incentive programs being offered to eligible career non-bargaining employees in targeted groups at Headquarters, Headquarters-related Field Units, Area Offices and Customer Service District Offices (Administrative). However, the additional information provided in the following announcement that stands out boldly is 'additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.' Read below to see the official release. Stay tuned and we will provide further internal information as it trickles out.



March 25 Postal Announcement

The Announcement
PMG ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF SEVEN DISTRICTS
I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure.

As part of the ongoing redesign of the Postal Service, PMG Pat Donahoe yesterday announced USPS will close 7 of its 74 district offices. This reflects continuing alignments within the organization to achieve core business strategies and, when fully implemented, will help realize approximately $750 million of annual cost savings (Link Extra, 3/23).

The district offices scheduled for closure — Columbus, OH, (Eastern Area); Southeast Michigan in Troy, MI, and Northern Illinois in Carol Stream, IL (Great Lakes Area); Southeast New England in Providence, RI (Northeast Area); South Georgia in Macon, GA, and Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM (Southwest Area); and Big Sky in Billings, MT (Western Area) — house only administrative functions that will be assumed by surrounding district offices. The closures will not affect customer service, mail delivery, Post Office operations or ZIP codes.

“I am confident we have developed a strong plan that takes a key step toward a leaner and less bureaucratic structure. One that is fair to our employees and one that will meet the future needs of our customers and the mailing industry,” said Donahoe.

This organizational redesign builds on previous PMG announcements that include a 16 percent reduction in officer ranks, realigning revenue-generating business units, closing the Southeast Area Office, and further reducing the employee complement by about 7,500 positions.

While yesterday’s announcement focused on the administrative and executive corps, additional staff reductions will occur as the Postal Service makes necessary changes to its network and retail operations. The full scope and financial impact of these personnel actions should be realized in one calendar year — by March 2012.   

Reference: usps.gov
emphasis (bold-print) added by The Postal Newsgroup


March 25 Postal Announcement, USPS March 25 Announcement,

Mar 24, 2011

Postal Service to cut supervisory positions


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


'...will eliminate some 7,500 administrative, postmaster and front-line supervisory positions. ...'


Reference: www.federaltimes.com
Tags:

Mar 20, 2011

bill (S. 644) that would eliminate the pension portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System


Senator proposes cuts to federal annuity benefits


'...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. ...'


Reference: www.govexec.com
Tags:

Mar 16, 2011

Memo details Department of Defense Shutdown Plans


Draft Memo Outlines DoD Shutdown Plans


'...If the U.S. federal government shuts down, all military personnel would be required to continue working without pay, according to the memo. The military would continue to operate in Afghanistan, and troops would continue to prepare for deployment. But many civilian DoD employees could be furloughed. ...'


Reference:
Tags: DoD Furlough, Federal Employee Furlough

Mar 15, 2011

Postal Workers Union and Post Office Agree to Contract


Highlights of the New APWU Contract (Tentative Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement)


'...No fewer than 1,100 Call Center jobs that had been contracted out will be returned to the APWU bargaining unit. The Call Center locations will become part of the installation of the nearest Processing & Distribution Center, so that APWU members can bid on these positions....'


Reference: contractnegotiations.blogspot.com
Tags: Postal Union Contract

Mar 13, 2011

Unicor, known as Federal Prison Industries until a 1977


Why are Prisoners Building Patriot Missiles?


'...100 factories at 70 penitentiaries within the US; a self-sustaining, self-funding company owned wholly by the government, created by an act of Congress in 1934...'


Reference: www.minyanville.com
Tags:

Mar 12, 2011

Federal Employee Pay and Benefits discussed


Statement from John Berry on Federal Pay


'...In the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), enrollees share 30 percent of the premium costs.7 For optional dental and vision benefits, they pay 100 percent.8 For the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI), employees pay 66 percent of the basic premium, and the full cost of any additional coverage. For the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, (FLTCIP) enrollees pay the entire premium cost. For these 100% employee paid programs, we only negotiate a group rate....'


Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Tags: federal Employee dental and vision benefits,

Mar 10, 2011

Honolulu International Airport TSA Fails to Screen Bags


After TSA Probe Story Breaks, Management More Attentive


'...TSA management has been embarrassed that some of its employees essentially did not do their jobs for as many as four months before two employee whistle-blowers brought them to management's attention....'


Reference: www.kitv.com
Tags: TSA

Mar 8, 2011

Authority to Redeposit Refunds under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)


Authority to Redeposit Refunds under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)


'...Employees covered by FERS on or after October 28, 2009, may repay (or redeposit) any FERS deductions previously refunded to them. They may also redeposit any CSRS deductions previously refunded to them that covered CSRS service that is credited under FERS rules....'


Reference: http://www.opm.gov/retire/pubs/bals/2011/11-103.pdf
Tags: FERS

Mar 5, 2011

'Recent Pay-Related Legislative Changes' for Federal Employees


'Recent Pay-Related Legislative Changes' for Federal Employees


A memorandum dated March 3, 2011, put out by OPM Director, John Berry, identifies several 'Recent Pay-Related Legislative Changes'. The changes relate to Reservist Income Replacement Program and Relationship to Reservist Differential Program, Extension of Authority to Waive Pay Limitations for Certain Federal Civilian Employees Working Overseas, and Rate of Overtime Pay for Department of the Navy Employees Performing Work to Support the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Forward Deployed in Japan.

The memo reads as follows:

  • Subject:
    Recent Pay-Related Legislative Changes

    This is to inform you of 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) (hereafter referred to as “the Act”). All of the sections identified below are effective on the date of enactment of the Act (January 7, 2011), unless otherwise stated.

    Sections 601 and 611 – Reservist Income Replacement Program and Relationship to Reservist Differential Program

    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.

    Section 1103 – 1-year Extension of Authority to Waive Pay Limitations for Certain Federal Civilian Employees Working Overseas

    Effective January 1, 2011, section 1103 extends to calendar year 2011 the authority provided in section 1101(a) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417, October 14, 2008), as amended by section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84, October 28, 2009), for the head of an agency to waive the premium pay cap provisions under 5 U.S.C. 5547.

    As in calendar years 2009 and 2010, this waiver authority in 2011 applies to certain civilian employees who perform work while in an overseas location that (1) is in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) or (2) was formerly in the CENTCOM area of responsibility but has been moved to the area of responsibility of the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The overseas work must meet one of two additional qualifying conditions: (1) performance of work in direct support of or directly related to a military operation (including a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)), or (2) performance of work in direct support of or directly related to an operation in response to an emergency declared by the President.

    The annual limitation on basic pay and premium pay allowed under the waiver authority remains at $230,700 in calendar year 2011 (the annual rate of salary payable to the Vice President under 3 U.S.C. 104). Subsection 1101(b) continues to provide the aggregate limitation on pay under 5 U.S.C. 5307 will not apply to an employee in calendar year 2011 if the employee is granted a waiver under subsection 1101(a) of the normally applicable premium pay limitations.

    Subsection 1101(c) also continues to apply and provides that any payments made under the subsection 1101(a) waiver authority resulting in additional premium pay of a type normally creditable as basic pay will not be considered basic pay for any purpose (e.g., retirement). Also, such additional premium pay may not be used in computing lump-sum payments for accumulated and accrued annual leave under 5 U.S.C. 5551.

    Subsection 1101(d) continues to provide the Director of U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the discretion to issue regulations for this waiver authority. OPM does not currently plan to issue regulations. However, each agency should establish policies for using this waiver authority if it has covered employees. To ensure agencies apply this discretionary authority consistently, we have developed a summary of key elements agencies should include in their policies implementing the waiver authority. (See Attachment.)

    Section 1105 – Rate of Overtime Pay for Department of the Navy Employees Performing Work to Support the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Forward Deployed in Japan

    Subsection 1105(a) amends 5 U.S.C. 5542(a) by adding a new paragraph (6)(A) to provide the overtime hourly rate of pay for a qualifying employee of the Department of the Navy is an amount equal to one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay of the employee, and all that amount is premium pay. This provision applies only to an employee who (1) is assigned to temporary duty to perform work aboard, or dockside in direct support of, the nuclear aircraft carrier that is forward deployed in Japan and (2) would be nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act but for the application of the foreign area exemption in 29 U.S.C. 213(f).

    This authority will expire on September 30, 2014.

    Not later than March 31, 2014, OPM is required to submit a report to Congress that evaluates the use of this temporary authority and analyzes the possibility of extending the expiration date of the authority and of expanding the authority to cover other employees.

    Additional Information

    For additional information, agency Chief Human Capital Officers and/or Human Resources Directors should contact their assigned OPM Human Capital Officer. Employees should contact their agency human resources office for assistance.

    Attachment

    cc: Chief Human Capital Officers

    Human Resources Directors

    Attachment

    Summary of Key Necessary Elements in Agency Policies Implementing Section 1101 of Public Law 110-417, as Amended, for Calendar Year 2011

    Section 1103 of Public Law 111-383, January 7, 2011, extends to calendar year 2011 the previous authority of section 1101 of Public Law 110-417, October 14, 2008, as amended by section 1106 of Public Law 110-84, October 28, 2009.

    The premium pay cap waiver authority under section 1101 of Public Law 110-417, as amended, may be applied in calendar years 2009 through 2011 to an employee who meets all of the following conditions for coverage eligibility:

    The employee is covered by 5 U.S.C. 5547 (dealing with limitations on premium pay) or a limitation on premium pay similar to one set forth in section 5547 of title 5, United States Code (as determined by the head of the Executive agency in or under which such employees are employed).

    The employee is assigned to work in an overseas location that (1) is in the area of responsibility of the Commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) or (2) was formerly in the CENTCOM area of responsibility but has been moved to the area of responsibility of the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and remains in that location for at least 42 consecutive calendar days (unless an authorized agency official grants a waiver of the 42-day requirement in very limited circumstances). (If the employee meets the 42-day requirement, the section 1106 limitation may be applied to days before that requirement was satisfied, as long as the employee was performing work in a covered and approved category on those days. Although section 1106 applies only to payments payable in calendar year 2011, the 42-day period may overlap a calendar year—i.e., begins in 2010 and ends in 2011, or begins in 2011 and ends in 2012.)

    The employee performs work in direct support of, or directly related to, (1) a military operation (including a contingency operation, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)) or (2) an operation in response to an emergency declared by the President. (“Military operation” is a Department of Defense (DOD) term of art, defined in the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.) Prior to authorizing any premium pay cap waiver under section 1106 on the basis of a military operation, an agency must confirm any DOD operation in countries in which such a waiver is being considered meets the DOD definition. (Note: The State Department and DOD have determined all their employees serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are performing work in direct support of, or directly related to, a military operation. In other locations, they will make determinations on a case-by-case basis.)

    The employee is in a category of employees for whom coverage under section 1106 has been approved by an authorized agency official. (Note: Section 1106 establishes a discretionary authority that agencies may exercise, not an entitlement.)

    Employees who are granted a waiver under section 1101 in calendar year 2011 will be covered by a higher annual premium pay cap in lieu of the normal biweekly and annual premium pay caps under 5 U.S.C. 5547. The employee will be entitled to premium payments identified in 5 U.S.C. 5547(a), or similar limitation, to the extent it does not cause the employee’s combined payable amount of basic pay and premium pay for calendar year 2011 to exceed the annual rate of salary payable to the Vice President under 3 U.S.C. 104, which remains at the 2010 level of $230,700. (Like the section 5547 limitation, the section 1101 limitation is applied to premium payments that are “payable” during the calendar year-i.e., earned in a pay period for which the pay date falls in the calendar year.)

    The higher annual limitation on premium pay established under section 1101(a) continues to apply during calendar year 2011 to an employee’s annual aggregate basic pay plus premium pay even after the employee has stopped performing work covered by section 1101. After an employee stops performing covered work, the employee's earnings will again be subject to the biweekly premium pay limitation under 5 U.S.C. 5547, or similar limitation, and the employee could receive payments up to the biweekly premium pay limitation each pay period until the section 1101(a) annual limitation is reached.

    Under section 1101(b), the aggregate limitation on pay under 5 U.S.C. 5307 will not apply in a calendar year to any employee who is granted a waiver under section 1101(a) (i.e., premium pay cap waiver) in that calendar year (2011). When the aggregate limitation on pay under 5 U.S.C. 5307 is applied, payments (other than basic pay) in excess of the aggregate limitation must be deferred and are generally paid as a lump-sum payment at the beginning of the following calendar year. However, if section 1101(b) applies to an employee in calendar year 2011, the employee is entitled to receive applicable payments immediately without deferral.

    Section 1101(c) continues to apply. Under section 1101(c), any additional pay that results from application of the higher premium pay cap under section 1101(a), may not be considered basic pay for retirement or any other purpose, nor may it be used in computing a lump-sum payment for accumulated and accrued annual leave under 5 U.S.C. 5551. Under 5 U.S.C. 5547 and 5 CFR 550.107, various types of premium pay creditable for retirement and other purposes are always subject to a biweekly cap, even in emergencies that would normally trigger the annual premium pay limit. Thus, in applying section 1101(a), an agency should consider any premium pay that is basic pay for retirement or other purposes as being paid before any other premium payment and apply the biweekly cap to determine the amount of basic pay for retirement and other purposes. In other words, section 1101(a) would allow these types of premium payments to exceed the normally applicable biweekly limit, but any excess beyond the biweekly limit would be attributable to section 1101(a) and therefore would not be treated as basic pay for retirement or other purposes.

    COUNTRIES IN CENTCOM OVERSEAS AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

    1. Afghanistan

    2. Bahrain

    3. Egypt

    4. Iran

    5. Iraq

    6. Jordan

    7. Kazakhstan

    8. Kuwait

    9. Kyrgyzstan

    10. Lebanon

    11. Oman

    12. Pakistan

    13. Qatar

    14. Saudi Arabia

    15. Syria

    16. Tajikistan

    17. Turkmenistan

    18. United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)

    19. Uzbekistan

    20. Yemen

    COUNTRIES IN AFRICOM OVERSEAS AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY
    (formerly in CENTCOM overseas area of responsibility)

    1. Djibouti

    2. Ethiopia

    3. Eritrea

    4. Kenya

    5. Seychelles

    6. Somalia

    7. Sudan

    Section 1101 of Public Law 110-417, October 14, 2008, as amended by section 1106 of Public Law 111-84, October 28, 2009, and as further amended by section 1103 of Public Law 111-383, January 7, 2011

    SEC. 1101. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ANNUAL LIMITATION ON PREMIUM PAY AND AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON PAY FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WORKING OVERSEAS.

    (a) WAIVER AUTHORITY.- During the calendar years 2009 through 2011, and notwithstanding section 5547 of title 5, United States Code, the head of an executive agency may waive, the premium pay limitations established in that section up to the annual rate of the salary payable to the Vice President under section 104 of title 3, United States Code, for an employee who performs work while in an overseas location that is in the area of responsibility of the Commander of the United States Central Command, or an overseas location that was formerly in the area of responsibility of the Commander of the United States Central Command but has been moved to the area of responsibility of the Commander of the United States Africa Command, in direct support of or directly related to—

    (1) a military operation, including a contingency operation; or

    (2) an operation in response to an emergency declared by the President.

    (b) APPLICABILITY OF AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON PAY.—

    (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 5307 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to any employee in any calendar year in which that employee is granted a waiver under subsection (a).

    (2) OTHER LIMITATIONS.—In the case of any employees who (disregarding subparagraph (A)) would otherwise be subject to a limitation on premium pay similar to one set forth in section 5547 of title 5, United States Code (as determined by the head of the Executive agency in or under which such employees are employed)—

    (A) the agency head may waive that otherwise applicable limitation, to the same extent and in the same manner as would be allowable under subsection (a) if those employees were instead subject to such section 5547; and

    (B) if a waiver under subparagraph (A) is granted with respect to such employees, then, neither section 5307 of title 5, United States Code, nor any other similar limitation (as determined by the agency head) shall apply with respect to such employees for purposes of any calendar year for which such waiver is so granted.

    (c) ADDITIONAL PAY NOT CONSIDERED BASIC PAY.— To the extent that a waiver under subsection (a) results in payment of additional premium pay of a type that is normally creditable as basic pay for retirement or any other purpose, such additional pay shall not be considered to be basic pay for any purpose, nor shall it be used in computing a lump-sum payment for accumulated and accrued annual leave under section 5551 of title 5, United States Code.

    (d) REGULATIONS. — The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may issue regulations to ensure appropriate consistency among heads of executive agencies in the exercise of the authority granted by this section.



  • Reference: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=3567
    Tags: Federal Employee Pay

    Mar 1, 2011

    Government Shutdown Avoided


    House OKs measure to avert shutdown; Senate votes Wednesday


    '...The House approved a stop-gap measure Tuesday to keep money flowing to federal government for the next two weeks and avert, a government shutdown congressional negotiators grapple with deep divisions to reach a more permanent solution....'


    Reference: www.latimes.com
    Tags:

    Poll: Majority backs government workers in unions


    Poll: Majority backs government workers in unions


    '...A new national poll delivers some encouraging news for federal employees and their unions: Most Americans oppose weakening the collective bargaining rights of public employees and oppose cutting their pay or benefits to reduce deficits....'


    Reference: washingtonpost.com
    Tags:

    Feb 28, 2011

    Could hackers exploit a Federal Shutdown?


    How Hackers Could Exploit Federal Government Shutdown


    '...One major problem: The federal government's list of critical-need computer security employees has not been updated in over 15 years....'


    Reference: www.fastcompany.com
    Tags:

    Feb 23, 2011

    Is a Government Shutdown Likely?


    Government Shutdown 2011 Unlikely, White House Press Secretary Says


    '...Even though the prospects of a government shutdown escalated when the House of Representatives approved historic spending cuts on Saturday, White House press secretary Jay Carney maintained Tuesday that the shutdown is unlikely. ...'


    Reference: www.theepochtimes.com
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    Feb 22, 2011

    Congress looks at pay hikes


    Congress looks at pay hikes


    '...need an automatic pay increase to their $174,000 salary....'


    Reference: www.charlotteobserver.com
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    Feb 16, 2011

    Federal Job Cuts


    John Boehner: If GOP Cuts Cause Federal Job Losses, 'So Be It'


    '...House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that if Republican efforts to cut federal spending resulted in the loss of government jobs, "so be it."...'


    Reference: www.huffingtonpost.com
    Tags: Federal Jobs

    Feb 13, 2011

    Federal Occupational Health Turns 65


    Federal Occupational Health Turns 65


    '...Now serving more than 1.8 million federal workers annually, FOH was created in August 1946 when President Truman signed an amendment to the Public Health Service Act. ...'


    Reference: ohsonline.com
    Tags: Federal Occupational Health

    Feb 12, 2011

    TSA chief vows to fire screeners in a strike or work slowdown


    TSA chief vows to fire screeners in a strike or work slowdown


    '...TSA Administrator John Pistole told the House Homeland Security subcommittee on transportation security that a strike would be highly unlikely, since federal employees do not have the legal right to strike. ...'


    Reference: www.federaltimes.com
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    Feb 8, 2011

    federal workforce Union-busting president remembered for positives as well


    Reagan's complicated legacy for federal workforce


    '...This week marks the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birth. When it comes to federal employee issues, he's probably most remembered as a big union-busting president. ...'


    Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
    Tags: