Current news and events impacting the federal workforce, both current federal employees and federal retirees.
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has clarified and lowered the threshold of what defines “retaliation” in claims of discrimination. The Court of Appeals held that an agency’s actions can be considered retaliatory if the actions would discourage a reasonable person from making or supporting a discrimination claim.
There has been controversy surrounding the TSA’s use of body scanners in airport security, in part due to questions about the safety of radiation emitted from the machines. The TSA recently published some data on the radiation safety levels of their x-ray equipment.
While the Federal Labor Relations Authority is tiny when compared with most Executive Branch employers, it must present its own unique challenges to management. In my 36 years in and outside government, I have encountered many managers who supervise attorneys. They liken their leadership role to herding cats.
HR 1722 was signed into law by President Obama Thursday afternoon. Also known as the Telework Enhancement Act, the bill aims to increase the work-at-home opportunities for federal employees.
Many readers have been asking why members of Congress don’t freeze their own annual raises since federal employees are facing a potential pay freeze. It may make some readers feel better to know that Congress has already frozen its pay for FY 2011.
The new agreement on taxes, if it becomes law, would create a tax break for federal employees (and other Americans) who pay into Social Security. But what about those who are under the older CSRS system?
Many people are curious about the best day to retire in 2011. Well, the best day to retire in 2011 is the same as it was in 2010; that is December 31st. This is especially important for those who are planning on receiving a large annual leave payment, as the leave year ends on December 31, 2011 and anyone who retires after that date will lose any excess use-or-lose leave they have accrued.
A police officer who lied to investigators about using a government vehicle to go to a Denny’s restaurant while on duty, was issued notice of removal, settled for voluntarily resignation, and was then unable to persuade MSPB or the court that his resignation was coerced.
The White House has released its own analysis of the recent compromise between the President and Republicans on the tax cut and unemployment insurance extensions.
Congressional representatives from the DC area are understandably unhappy with the federal pay freeze proposal and want to delay any decision on the freeze until the next Congress convenes. The Congressmen argue that claims on federal pay are based on “politics” while, presumably, their claims are based on a higher standard.
