July TSP Returns

How did the TSP funds perform last month? See the latest returns at TSPDataCenter.com.

Analyzing AFGE’s Proposals for a Grievance Procedure

The author offers an analysis of AFGE proposals made relatively recently in a national contract negotiation. The Analysis points out issues Agencies should consider when negotiating such language. This is timely in light of FLRA decisions suggesting that agencies should extend extra effort in protecting their prerogatives by its expansion of arbitrator authority.

If You Don’t Want Medicare Part A–Too Bad Says Court to Federal Retirees

A federal court decision will have repercussions for federal retirees who prefer to keep their health benefits program in retirement rather than go under Medicare Part A (hospitalization) coverage. To avoid using Medicare Part A, the court rules they will have to give up Social Security benefits and repay all Social Security benefits received.

TSA Considering ‘Trusted Traveler’ Program to Expedite Security Screening

Air travel security has become time consuming and cumbersome with the TSA regulations for screening passengers. However, the TSA has begun considering a “trusted traveler” program recommended by the US Travel Association that would pre-screen passengers via background checks that would enable them to bypass a lot of the extra security screenings.

Senators Propose Ending FERS Defined Benefit Pensions for New Employees

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) have introduced the Public-Private Employee Retirement Act of 2011 which would end the defined benefit pension portion of the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) for new federal government hires starting in 2013. Current federal employees would not be affected, but it would apply to members of Congress.