No Work, No Pay Act Puts Congress In Same Position As Federal Employees
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
Fourth Circuit: Amendments to EEO Complaint Do Not Reset Timeline for Judicial Suit
After a federal district court ruled that a Patent and Trademark Office employee’s amendment to his initial EEO complaint reset the 180-day timeline for the accrual of the employee’s right to file a judicial suit, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the district court ruling, finding that the plain language of Title VII contemplates amendments to the initial complaint.
Federal Workers Skirt Ethical Guidelines for Donations
Friday marked the first day federal employees from nine government agencies failed to receive a paycheck. Some of these employees have created online donation accounts to cover basic living expenses during their time without pay. While this can be an effective way to cover expenses, federal employees must be wary of ethical limitations to receiving gifts from outside sources.
Legislation Guaranteeing Back Pay for Federal Employees Expected to Become Law
Congress has passed legislation that will grant back pay to employees on furlough and working without pay during this government shutdown and any future government shutdowns that may take place. President Trump has indicated that he will sign the legislation. While this brings some relief to federal workers affected by the shutdown, Congress is still working to ensure contractors and other impacted groups receive compensation.
Shutdown Impact Spreads Beyond the Federal Workforce
Last week’s FEDtalk round table featured Jessie Bur of Federal Times, Charles Clark of Government Executive, and Jason Miller of Federal News Network with host Jason Briefel for insiders’ perspectives on how the shutdown in affecting the federal government. Their discussion brought listeners outside of just the federal workforce to understand how the shutdown impacts contractors, local businesses, and innovations throughout the entire federal community.
Reporter Roundtable: Looking Forward and Reflecting Back
Even with a shutdown in place, there is much to discuss about the workings of the federal government as the new year begins. Tune in this Friday, January 11 for the first FEDTalk of the New Year. A roundtable of guests will be providing the most up to date federal news while taking a look back on the successes, and failures, of 2018.
Evaluating Life Insurance Coverage Outside of Open Season
While it’s not Open Season for Life Insurance, it’s a perfect time to evaluate your coverage. Life insurance is a vital tool when it comes to safeguarding your family’s future. How would your family’s income be impacted if you passed away? What if you receive a terminal diagnosis? What will your family need to retain financial stability? Fortunately, you can apply for WAEPA’s Group Term Life Insurance at any point in the year – meaning you don’t have to wait for an Open Season period to supplement or replace your coverage from FEGLI.
House Bill One Seeks To Overhaul Ethics And Corruption Laws
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
Federal Circuit: Intent Not an Element of “Positive Test” Charge
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, via a panel decision, held that when a federal employee is removed from service on a charge of “positive test for illegal drug use,” there is no requirement for the government to prove that the employee intended to use an illegal drug.
Federal employees rally to end government shutdown
Over 800,000 federal employees remain out of work or working without pay due to the partial government shutdown. This week, employee groups are joining together to send a message to lawmakers that the government must be funded. The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), alongside 33 other public sector employee groups, have organized a rally to be held on Friday, January 11 in Washington, D.C. As the effects of the shutdown increase, groups have formed similar movements across the country.
Alabama Rep. introduces bill to abolish federal agencies
Rep. Bradley Bryne (R-Al.) has reintroduced a bill from 2015 which would allow at least 10 agencies to be reviewed for removal. The Sunset Inefficient and Unaccountable Government Act (H.R. 7334) would require agencies and departments to undergo a review every 10 years before Congress. If Congress fails to reauthorize the agency or department, the agency head must move forward with its dissolution. National defense and security agencies are exempt from the requirement.
Shutdown drags on and will soon shutter the federal judiciary
Over three weeks ago the federal government shut down due to lack of funding. Today, it remains closed. President Trump called several meetings with Congressional leadership last week but continues to say he will sign legislation only if it includes funding for a border wall- an appropriations measure Democrats have refused to fund. Not only are 800,000 federal employees either on furlough or working without pay, but soon, the federal courts will also be running out of funds and shutting down.
A Crushing Pay Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment
Much has been written about the current partial government shutdown as it approaches its third week, and rightfully so. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees across the country remain unable to perform their constitutionally-mandated missions until the shuttered agencies and departments are properly funded by Congress and signed into law by the President. Millions of dollars in production are lost and the services Americans count on are simply not performed. As the shutdown continues –without end in sight – another devastating policy towards feds was enforced over the holidays. On the evening of Friday, December 28, 2018, President Trump issued an executive order calling for a freeze of federal employees’ pay in fiscal year 2019.
Government Needs to Change to Deal with Populism
We’re living in a populist moment. But with so much energy devoted to the question of how politics is — or isn’t — addressing this challenge, less attention has been paid to how civil servants should adapt.
iPad Raffle
If you have your liability insurance through FEDS Protection, you have automatically been entered into a raffle to win one of two 9.7 inch 128 GB Apple iPads.
An Inside Look at Whistleblowing
In case you missed it, be sure to listen to the Friday, December 14th episode of FEDtalk for a fascinating look into the federal whistleblowing process. The founders of Whistleblower Aid, John Tye and Mark Zaid, joined host Debra Roth for an informative discussion.
Intelligence Committee Vice-Chairman Calls For National Conversation On Offensive Cyberattacks
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
HHS To Testify Before OGR On FITARA
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.