Management
Thousands of feds reminded they ‘have no reasonable expectation of privacy’ at work and may be monitored
The message greeted employees as they logged into their government devices and systems this week.
Workforce
Some agencies begin purges of recent hires even as OPM directs federal offices to pump the brakes
Going forward, agencies are told to prioritize low performing probationers for firing. Some have already taken a different approach.
Workforce
Federal employees could be more easily removed under new House bill
Rep. Barry Loudermilk’s, R-Ga., MERIT Act proposes radical civil service reforms, including repealing statutes governing unacceptable performance actions, ending union grievances based on adverse personnel actions and prohibiting furlough appeals.
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.
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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.
Workforce
VA employee discipline back in the spotlight as lawmakers move new bills
Another measure would provide VA managers with more training on disciplining employees.
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.
Workforce
Reports of agency’s toxic workplace and widespread harassment lead to bipartisan calls for investigations
Many women say they had to quit due to the workplace culture.
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