Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over VA, Union Negotiations
A group of 128 bipartisan lawmakers has issued a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie regarding on-going negotiations with the union representing 260,000 frontline employees, the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE). Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the collective bargaining rights of federal employees and adequate care for veterans.
Arbitrator: VA Adverse Action Report Violates Privacy Act
A union grievance protesting the publication of “Adverse Action Reports” (AAR) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resulted in an arbitration decision directing VA to remove AARs from its website and to cease and desist the publication of AARs.
Improving Federal Data to Improve the Federal Government
On June 1st, FedTalk hosted three organizations leading the effort to improve the federal government’s operations by improving the data on which it relies.
Navigating Plans for Summer with the National Park Service
Do you know what you are doing this summer? To find out what our National Parks have to offer, tune in to FEDtalk this Friday and start planning your trip!
House Appropriations Legislation Includes Pay Raise For Federal Employees, Spending Boosts For IRS
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.
California and the Pentagon Work Together to Fight Fires
The state of California and the Pentagon have created a cooperative agreement to better spot and tackle destructive fires. In an effort to prevent a recurrence of the deadly fires that swept California last year, the state and the Department of Defense (DOD) will be utilizing Cold War-era satellite technology and expanding drone use.
Whistleblower Discloses Hazardous Conditions at GSA Property
For three years, repeated tests at the Goodfellow Federal Center in St. Louis, Missouri revealed that the building had traces of dozens of hazardous substances that could damage the health of those in contact with the building. A whistleblower disclosure to the Office of Special Council now contends that the General Services Administration (GSA) failed to adequately protect and notify employees of these hazards despite years of knowledge.
Better Government, Yes – Politicization of the Civil Service, No
As you have no doubt read at FEDManager.com, it has been a busy time at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in recent months. OPM has been led by Acting Director Margaret Weichert – who also serves as the Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget – since October 2018. President Trump nominated Dale Cabaniss as director of OPM in March 2019, and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee favorably reported out her nomination in May. The full Senate has not yet acted on her nomination. FMA and our colleagues within the Government Managers Coalition offered support for her confirmation, noting the agency has only had a Senate-confirmed director for eight months out of the last four years.
Senate Introduces National Strategy On Artificial Intelligence
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.
OPM Releases Guide for Crafting the Workforce of the Future
Last week the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a guide to help agencies bridge the gap between emerging technologies and the workforce of the future. The guide focused on reskilling and reshaping the workforce, as well as providing guidance for managing the changing federal workforce.
USDA Plans Reduction in Force, Closing of Job Training Centers
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that a Forest Service-run Job Corps program will be transferred to the Department of Labor. As part of the move, nine of the 25 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers will be closed. The plan could eliminate up to 1,100 jobs from the Forest Service.
CASES Act Passes Unanimously Out Of Senate Committee
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.
As Weichert Releases OPM Reorganization Plan, Stakeholders Voice Concerns
Last week the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Acting Director Margaret Weichert and Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Acting Director Russ Vought released the legislative proposal and business case for transferring much of OPM’s duties to the General Services Administration (GSA) and OMB. While some elements of the plan received praise, criticisms have also arisen ahead of today’s hearing in the House Subcommittee on Government Operations within the Committee on Oversight and Reform.
US Postal Service Explores Self-Driving Vehicles
The US Postal Service has begun a two-week trial of self-driving carrier trucks in three southwestern states. The pilot partnership with San Diego based startup TuSimple would use autonomous vehicles to move mail between Phoenix and Dallas in an effort to improve delivery times and costs.
CASES Act Passes Unanimously Out Of Senate Committee
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure, or continuing resolution (CR), to fund the government until December 20. House members voted Tuesday with the hopes of moving the legislation to the Senate for a vote later in the week and onto the president’s desk for signature before the current CR expires at midnight on Thursday.
Executive Order 13839: Reflections on Accountability and Streamlined Disciplinary Actions
As we quickly approach the one-year anniversary of the Executive Order Promoting Accountability & Streamlining Removal Procedures Consistent with Merit System Principles, we at FEDS Protection believe that while the Executive Order may not have had the impact on the overall federal workforce many anticipated, the spillover effects on the lives of federal managers has left them vulnerable to unprecedented rates of discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower reprisal allegations.
Long Term Planning and Supplemental Insurance Options for Feds
Weighing the pros and cons of various insurance options can be difficult. Tune into FEDtalk this Friday for a clear explanation of the long term planning and supplemental insurance options available to federal employees.
Bipartisan PFAS Accountability Act Seeks To Involve Federal Agencies In Water Contamination Cleanup
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.