Uncertainty Still Looms as Deal is Reached to End Shutdown
Federal workers are returning to their offices after the longest government shutdown in US history. Over 800,000 workers who missed two paychecks as a result of the shutdown are expected to receive back pay this week; unfortunately, the stopgap spending measure only lasts until Feb. 15, setting up another possible shutdown next month.
Internal Revenue Service Struggles to Find Footing Post-Shutdown
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is beginning their busiest season a few steps behind as employees return to work following the government shutdown. As the IRS works to recover, Americans all over the country may feel the impact of this backlog come filing season.
The National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service
The National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service is wrapping up its first year. The bipartisan, 11-member commission--created by Congress--seeks to inspire more young Americans to serve their country. The group releases its Interim Report on January 23rd, which will outline its progress and plans to date.
Bills Introduced To End All Government Shutdowns
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: EPA Made “Baseless” Claim of Attorney-Client Privilege to Protect Draft Notices of Proposed Disciplinary Actions
Recently, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed a decision of an Merit System Protection Board Administrative Judge, and found that the EPA made no evidentiary showing to prove its claim of the attorney-client privilege to prevent the discovery of draft proposed disciplinary actions.
Former EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum Won’t Seek Third Term
A former Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Democrat Chai Feldblum, has been awaiting Senate confirmation for her third term on the commission. On January 2, with the ending of the 115th Congress, the nominations of Feldblum and two others for the EEOC expired. Now, Feldblum has announced she will no longer be seeking a third term.
Communities Rally Together to Assist Furloughed Workers
Furloughed workers in need of relief are finding it, not in the government, but in their communities across the country. As workers approach their second missed paycheck due to the government shutdown, private corporations, religious groups, and community organizations have been working to help furloughed workers make ends meet.
Handling Furlough Fallout
In the wake of the recent government shutdown and subsequent strains on the federal community, we have had many FEDS members contact us with concerns about how to handle current or upcoming furloughs.
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.