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Bush Executive Order Excluding Certain Federal Organizations from Labor Relations: A Tempest in a Teapot
It is always fun to watch the pure silliness of some Washington reactions to events, in this case by the National Treasury Employees Union to President Bush's recent Executive Order excluding certain organizations from the coverage of the Federal labor relations statute.

Posted: December 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Full Story

Workplace Bullying: Psychological Violence?
Bullying in the workplace is a form of workplace violence and can include "cyber-bullying," a new form of violence as current as today's headlines. Bullying takes a toll on an individual and has an impact in the workplace as well.

Posted: December 3, 2008 7:59 AM | Full Story

Blue Cross Changes for 2009 Raise Concerns in Congress
Concerns about major coverage and payment changes in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield program for federal workers has prompted a House hearing. Among the changes: Premiums could rise 13 percent, and emergency services for out-of-network services could see major fee jumps or no reimbursement.

Posted: December 3, 2008 6:53 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Obama Reps Streaming Into Government Offices
Wearing yellow badges and traveling in groups of 10 or more, agency review teams for President-elect Barack Obama have swarmed into dozens of government offices.

Posted: December 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Leadership Vacuum With Boomer Retirements?
Baby Boomers are leaving the workforce. OPM estimates that between 2006 and 2010 Boomer retirement will strip American companies of about 290,000 full-time experienced employees. Are their successors up to the leadership challenge?

Posted: December 3, 2008 7:22 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Free Internet Access?
The Federal Communications Commission is likely to consider a plan that would provide free internet access nationwide. There are numerous problems along the way though--including how it would be financed and restrictions that would be imposed on internet usage.

Posted: December 3, 2008 7:03 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Savings Tip from the IRS
The retirement savings contributions credit helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers voluntarily contribute to workplace retirement programs, such as the Thrift Savings Plan. If you qualify, you have until the end of the year to take advantage of the saver's credit.

Posted: December 3, 2008 7:32 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Employee Unions Unhappy Over National Security Exclusions
Unions that represent federal employees are critical of an executive order that bars some employees at five federal departments from joining a union because they are engaged in intelligence gathering, investigations and other national security work.

Posted: December 3, 2008 7:16 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

We Won't Have to Smell The Tourists Anymore
Being a Senator undoubtedly has its ups and downs. One downer, apparently, was dealing with tourists who visit the U.S. Capitol. Fortunately, after spending $621 million, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says those serving in positions that amount to America's version of royalty won't have to smell the tourists anymore during periods of high heat and humidity.

Posted: December 2, 2008 10:56 AM | Full Story | Discuss this Story

Good News? TSP Funds Don't Go Down As Much in November as in October
If you are looking for good news with regard to your stock funds, try this: Your funds did not go down as much this past month as they did in October. If that doesn't give you a thrill, perhaps the bottom of the market has been reached. Here are the most recent results for your TSP funds.

Posted: December 2, 2008 10:49 AM | Full Story

Professional Liability Protection Benefits
Here is a brief overview of the potential personal liabilities federal employees sometimes face in their careers, as well as information about the professional liability protection benefits offered to federal employees.

Posted: December 2, 2008 6:36 AM | Full Story

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