Hyperbole is defined as extravagant exaggeration. Labor disputes often lend themselves to hyperbolic statements designed to create an embarrassment for someone. This dispute is no exception.
Earmarks are a way that those in Congress can control federal money to help win elections. The Department of Veterans Affairs may have the expertise but, as another earmark enters the budget, it clearly does not have the power to make controversial decisions when the interests of powerful Congressional constituents are threatened.
How credible is NASA Administrator Michael Griffin when he dismissed as “urban legend” reports of astronauts drinking shortly before a launch?
There is a critical connection between day to day supervision and labor and employee relations success. How managers view labor and employee relations is also essential to their success. Supervisors who don’t get it, usually don’t get ahead.
Should the TSP charge a fee when someone decides to transfer money between funds? Some TSP investors rarely make such transfers. Others do so on a regular basis. Should the expenses be spread out among all investors or paid for by those making the trades?
The stock market has been volatile. The leading stock market average has been up or down triple digits on a daily basis for the past month. The final result? Most TSP investors will be satisfied with the results if not the process.
It’s not a good day at an appellate agency when a court writes: “We explain these reasons in some detail in hopes that the MSPB and litigants before the MSPB will better understand the applicable law.” The court upheld the firing of a former Secret Service agent for not having the required security clearance.
Two new cases issued this week address the topic of military leave used by federal employees for reserve activities. The second case that was just issued provides guidance for agencies on the subject of improper leave for military activities. “[A] veteran is legally entitled to monetary compensation or its equivalent only where he demonstrates actual harm.” Also, “agencies may resolve claims by providing more compensation than an individual has been able to prove.”
Any active or retired federal employee who took military leave for reserve activities may get extra money.
Any current or retired federal employee who took military leave for reserve activity will want to read this case summary as it could mean a big payment for some people. An appeals court has sent a case back to the MSPB granting discovery for a reservist to prove his claim for pay going back to 1980.
