Jun 27, 2011

Hatch Act and Federal Employees


Hatch Act: Small violation brings big penalty


'...the Act allows a federal employee to run for elected office if it’s a non-partisan position. But if that same job were a partisan position in another state, a federal employee would not be allowed to seek that office....'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Tags: Hatch Act

TSA elects AFGE as union reps


AFGE Elected as the Union at TSA!


'...elected the American Federation of Government Employees as their exclusive union representative with an 8903-8447 vote over the National Treasury Employees Union....'


Reference: www.sacbee.com
Tags: National Treasury Employees Union

Jun 22, 2011

The U.S. Postal Service Just Stopped Putting Money Into Its Pension Fund


The U.S. Post Office Just Stopped Putting Money Into Its Pension Fund


'...the USPS is holding off on the payment while it waits for government approval to delay a $5.5 billion payment for worker health benefits....'


Reference: www.businessinsider.com
Tags:

Jun 20, 2011

FERS Annuity Supplement EarningsTest


The Earnings Test for Your FERS Annuity Supplement


'...The only thing 100% clear about the FERS annuity supplement is that it ends at age 62, which is when the retiree first becomes eligible for Social Security....'


Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Tags: FERS annuity supplement

May 24, 2011

Tim Pawlenty (R) 'federal employees' salaries should be frozen'


Republican candidate calls for federal salary freeze, workforce cuts


'...Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty said Monday that federal employees' salaries should be frozen and the federal workforce should be reduced through attrition....'


Reference: www.federaltimes.com
Tags:

May 17, 2011

Republican Senators want to eliminate pensions for government employees


Federal Workers Facing More Cuts


'...In March, Senate Republicans Richard Burr and Tom Coburn introduced legislation that would entirely eliminate pensions for government employees. They would still collect Social Security and hold 401k-style accounts....'


Reference: www.kctv5.com
Tags:

May 5, 2011

USAJobsRecruit online recruitment tool


OPM launches online recruitment tool for hiring managers


'...Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry announced the launch of USAJobsRecruit, an online community for agencies to showcase best practices, share marketing and outreach strategies, and post hiring events. ...'


Reference: www.govexec.com
Tags:

Apr 27, 2011

Connecting Veterans With Federal Jobs


Web Portal To Connect Veterans With Federal Jobs


'...“It is our duty to serve those who have so bravely served their country, and the innovative Mil2FedJobs site is one more way to ensure that Maryland’s veterans have the support they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Our one-of-a-kind website will help servicemen and women find federal job opportunities that best match their skills....'


Reference: www.thebaynet.com
Tags: Federal Jobs

Apr 25, 2011

TSA employee faces child porn charges


TSA airport screener charged with distributing child pornography


'...Transport Safety Administration (TSA) officer Thomas Gordon Jnr. allegedly used Facebook to share the sick pictures of young girls and...'


Reference: www.dailymail.co.uk
Tags: TSA Screener

Apr 20, 2011

Federal workers have become the punching bag


Inspiring a badly battered federal workforce


'...It has not been an easy time for federal employees, with the pay freeze, attacks on the public sector, budget cutbacks and then the threat of a government shutdown....'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Tags:

Apr 19, 2011

Government Salary and Employee name databases


While searching the internet for interesting articles and sources of information to feed our information hungry readership, we ran across a site called PIbuzz.com. PIbuzz.com has an informative page that is full of links for Government Salary and Employee name databases. Click on over an search the databases.
Tags: Government Salary and Employee name databases

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