Pay & Benefits

Biden Administration Brings Back Presidential Rank Awards

The Office of Personnel Management is fielding nominations for the annual awards for senior federal workers, after last year’s iteration of the program was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Oversight

GAO: Federal Human Capital Management has Regressed Over Last Two Years

The government watchdog agency faulted a lack of leadership at OPM for the failure to address gaps in critical skills and other federal workforce issues.

Management

Senior Biden Official Vows to Repair ‘Damage’ to Federal Workforce

The White House will unveil reforms in the forthcoming president's management agenda, OMB's director of performance management said on Monday.

Pay & Benefits

Most TSP Portfolios Rebound After Difficult January

Nearly every fund in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program increased in value in February.

Management

Past Marijuana Use Is No Longer a Disqualifier for a Federal Job

As more states legalize marijuana, the federal government’s HR agency said agencies can hire people who have used the drug, provided there is “evidence” the candidate will not use it anymore.

Management

Biden Rescinds Memo Granting Defense Secretary Authority to Ban Unions

Last year, then-President Trump granted the Defense secretary authority to strip Pentagon employees of their rights to bargain collectively, although it was never acted upon.

Pay & Benefits

Democrats Introduce Slew of Bills to Strengthen Protections for Federal Workforce

Lawmakers are pushing to bolster diversity efforts at national security agencies, require greater transparency ahead of agency relocation efforts, and reauthorize the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Management

Advocates, Experts Urge More Protections for Feds Following Trump Workforce Initiatives

Union officials and good government experts said Congress needs more guardrails in place to protect the federal civil service, while a former Trump official defended the administration’s actions.

Management

Biden Nominates Kiran Ahuja for OPM Director

Ahuja, who previously served as the agency’s chief of staff during the Obama administration, would be the first South Asian and the first Asian American woman to lead the federal government’s HR department.

Management

Union Announces 'Boldest Agenda' Yet to Strengthen Federal Employee Rights, Pay and Benefits

The president of the nation’s largest federal employee union forecast a “two-year window” to undo former President Trump’s workforce policies and expand workers’ collective bargaining rights.

Management

Key Senator Lends Support to Effort to Oust Social Security Leadership

The chairman of a subcommittee overseeing the Social Security Administration has joined calls from labor and advocacy groups demanding that President Biden replace the agency’s top political appointees.

Management

Federal Labor Authority Restores Dispute Resolution Office

Officials at FLRA, which governs labor-management relations in the federal government, said the decision will save agencies money by helping them avoid litigation.

Pay & Benefits

OPM Implements Recent Pay and Benefits Changes

Acting OPM Director Kathleen McGettigan highlighted changes related to paid leave, premium pay, allowances related to military service and more.

Management

Judge Rules He Lacks Jurisdiction to Hear Impasses Panel Case

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed a lawsuit filed by a union representing VA employees challenging the appointment process for members of the Federal Service Impasses Panel.

Management

Controversial EEOC Official Time Rule Caught Up in Biden ‘Midnight Regulations’ Freeze

The agency tasked with investigating employment discrimination said it is considering “next steps” after a planned rule ending union officials’ guaranteed access to official time to work on complaints was withdrawn following President Biden’s inauguration.

Management

OPM Clarifies Weather Closure Policy Amid Maximum Telework

Although many federal workers have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM reiterated the importance of following inclement weather closure procedures for feds who still commute.

Pay & Benefits

House COVID Relief Bill Includes 15 Weeks of Paid Leave for Federal Parents, Caregivers

Leave would be available to care for elderly family members and kids whose schools are closed or virtual, as well as for those who are sick themselves or forced to quarantine.

Management

Arbitrator: Social Security Violated Labor Law Again in Dealings With Administrative Law Judge Union

Decision finding that SSA broke the law when it unilaterally implemented an incomplete union contract last year is the second time management has been cited for wrongful activity in the last year.

Management

House Leaders Reintroduce Bill to Grant TSA Employees Full Federal Protections

Since the agency’s founding following Sept. 11, 2001, workers at the Transportation Security Administration have had lower pay, abridged collective bargaining rights and fewer protections than other federal employees.