Management

Coronavirus Roundup: A Case That Telework Has Made Some Feds More Productive During the Pandemic

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Defense

Esper Says Pentagon Is Bracing for a 'New Normal' That Lasts 'An Extended Period of Time'

"What do we do over the next 6, 12, 18 months?" the defense secretary asked at a Monday virtual event.

Workforce

Protect the Workers Who Protect Us

The pandemic has laid bare the inherent risk federal employees face when duty to serve the public conflicts with the right to health and safety.

Management

What Feds Can Do if Called Back to an Unsafe Workplace

As some in the Trump administration push toward “reopening the government,” a federal employment lawyer said worried workers might find solace in existing leave policies and the whistleblower protection statute.

Oversight

Trump Intends to Nominate an Assistant U.S. Attorney to be HHS Inspector General 

The acting HHS watchdog recently came under fire for a report on medical equipment shortages during the pandemic. 

Pay & Benefits

Lawmakers Prepare New Legislation to Protect TSA Employees During Pandemic

House Democrats will push to pass bills guaranteeing health care and workers compensation benefits for part time transportation security officers.

Pay & Benefits

House Republicans Propose Federal Hiring, Pay Initiatives to Combat COVID-19

The Republican Study Committee said Congress should streamline the hiring process for federal workers, as well as change the pay system to allow higher compensation for “high skilled” workers.

Defense

Pentagon’s Esper Was Too Slow With Coronavirus Response, Senate Democrats Say

In a letter, lawmakers accuse the secretary of Defense of causing confusion, showing "dangerous misunderstanding" of the virus, and harming readiness.

Management

Federal Employee Union Proposes Preconditions to Returning to Government Work Sites

The American Federation of Government Employees last week called the Trump administration’s recently unveiled plans for “reopening” the federal government “premature and imprudent.”