Pay & Benefits

Senate Democrats call for more generous military pay raise

Call to exceed Bush's request could touch off another fight to achieve parity for civilians and the military.

Pay & Benefits

Cost-of-Labor Pains

Federal pay raises are determined by the cost of labor, which often has increased more than the cost of living.

Pay & Benefits

FAA controllers gain support for bill on labor contract disputes

Bipartisan bill would require binding arbitration in case of impasse.

Management

Food inspectors’ union rights reaffirmed

In first case of its kind, FLRA lets stand a decision to reinstate union representation stripped for national security reasons.

Pay & Benefits

Bush seeks to end retirement penalty for part-time service

Retirement-related legislative package also would allow cash bonuses to be contributed to Thrift Savings Plan accounts.

Management

Pentagon shifts focus to results in pay-for-performance system

After a self-imposed delay, department marginalizes initial “benchmarks” concept.

Pay & Benefits

Bush seeks upgrade of retirement benefits processing

Modernization aimed at making benefit delivery speedier and more accurate.

Pay & Benefits

Three-Way Pay Split

The president wants annual pay raises to be divided three ways: a general increase, locality differentials and special pay to address recruitment and retention needs.

Defense

Pentagon to finish personnel system tweaks Friday

Working group is nearly done simplifying performance management system.

Pay & Benefits

President pushes $3.4 billion in federal health care savings

Budget proposal would encourage Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer consumer-directed health plans; company says it is not sure it will do so.

Pay & Benefits

Pay parity offer leaves less room to bargain for higher 2007 raise

Some lawmakers say they will still fight for an increase above Bush’s 2.2 percent request.

Management

Bush calls for 2.2 percent pay raise in 2007

In break with previous proposals, president seeks same increase for military service members and civilian employees.

Management

Unions devise ‘Plan B’ in Defense personnel challenge

Coalition of labor groups hires former FLRA general counsel to help develop alternative plan in case legal challenge to National Security Personnel System fails.

Pay & Benefits

Traveling Light

Some federal employees can earn hundreds of dollars by traveling on the cheap.

Pay & Benefits

TSP funds boast strong gains in January

Funds investing in smaller and international companies performed best.

Defense

Bush pledges to eliminate 140 poor-performing programs

But president seeks expansion of Defense, Energy programs in State of Union address.

Pay & Benefits

Bush advisers send early word on 2007 pay raise

If statutory formula is followed, white-collar raise would be set at 1.7 percent.

Pay & Benefits

Border agency ordered to reconsider 2005 bonuses

Union president says employees could receive millions in additional awards.

Management

Feds in marine program compensated better than nonfederal counterparts

Differences in salary, annual leave and other benefits cause divisions within Commerce program’s multisector workforce.

Pay & Benefits

Benefits Bills

Congress is considering acupuncture coverage, tax-free student loans and a variety of other new benefits for federal employees.