Oversight

House Dems ask OSHA to respond to reports that state agencies tipped off employers

“If these allegations are true, it means that our federal funds, meant to ensure safe and fair workplaces, might be enabling exactly the opposite," wrote two lawmakers in a letter to Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su on Tuesday.

Workforce

Americans mostly like federal agencies, but there’s a partisan gap

A research nonprofit found that Republicans surveyed were more likely to have more negative views of several agencies than in the past.

Oversight

The federal judiciary has improved its policies against workplace misconduct, but not at all levels

The GAO found that while the judiciary has taken steps to address workplace misconduct, there are gaps at the circuit level, as well as in measuring effectiveness and data reporting. 

Workforce

Democrats demand employee protections after a GAO report reveals sexual misconduct in federal courts

More than 30,000 employees work as law clerks, staff attorneys, office managers and other positions within the federal judiciary, which includes the U.S. Supreme Court, circuit and district courts.

Updated Defense

Former vice chief of naval operations arrested on bribery, conspiracy charges

Robert Burke, a retired four-star, is alleged to have steered work toward a services company while he was commanding Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

Management

FDIC chairman resigns following toxic workplace allegations

Martin Gruenberg said in a brief statement that he will remain at the agency until a successor is confirmed by the Senate, following calls from lawmakers for him to resign due to systemic harassment claims at the regulator. 

Oversight

FDIC's chairman faces bipartisan criticism following a report about the agency’s toxic culture

Many House Financial Services Committee Democrats expressed doubt about FDIC Chairman Gruenberg’s ability to make workplace culture changes across the agency.

Oversight

Committee member behind independent report on FDIC harassment says recommendations don’t go far enough

Despite a 2023 expose into systemic sexual harassment allegations within the agency, one official said accusations of troubling behavior continue to permeate the regulator. 

Management

How a culture of unaccountability permeates the federal government

COMMENTARY | Accountability is essential for an organization to function effectively.

Workforce

EPA has a new plan to protect career scientists, but some are questioning its efficacy

Solutions to concerns over accountability and reporting mechanisms are coming soon, EPA official says.

Oversight

House subpoenas VA over sexual harassment allegations

The department has asked for time to conduct its own investigation, but in a bipartisan vote, lawmakers declined to wait.

Oversight

Federal watchdog launches probe into agency leadership that allegedly allowed widespread harassment to fester

Congressional committees and the agency itself is already conducting investigations into the alleged toxic workplace.

Management

VA officials reassigned following a House Committee's investigation into harassment allegations

Members of the office tasked with investigating harassment claims have been transferred following an investigation by the House Veterans Affairs Committee into sexual misconduct claims within that office. 

Oversight

Fixing accountability first: Another look at the Restore VA Accountability Act

COMMENTARY | If we really want to rid the VA (and the rest of the federal civil service) of poor performers, we need to find a middle ground between making every employee “at will” and defaulting to today’s status quo. 

Workforce

Court opens up more discretion for reducing feds’ punishments

Federal employees facing firings will have an easier time mitigating that discipline to a lower form of punishment under new precedent.

Management

Our Accountability System is Broken. Fix It First

The way we hold federal employees accountable for meeting reasonable standards of performance and behavior is badly broken, and it must be fixed before we can talk about additional reforms, argues one former federal leader.

Pay & Benefits

VA Will No Longer Use Its Marquee Civil Service Reform Law to Punish Employees

The Biden administration unwinds a key Trump legislative victory, citing a series of setbacks the law has endured.