According to the letter, the proposal would allow agencies
to design their own performance management systems, but
require OPM certification to move ahead with
pay-for-performance elements of the core compensation
system — similar to current requirements for senior
executive performance pay systems.
It said agencies would have to come up with a plan to
develop and deploy an OPM-certified plan by 2008, in
anticipation of the permanent sunset of the general
schedule system by 2010.
The legislation would extend to other agencies similar
labor-relations elements found in the NSPS and DHS
systems barring unions from exercising collective
bargaining rights if they would “deter, divert, or delay
managers from meeting their mission.”
It would also extend to managers the authority to make
minor changes in working conditions without bargaining,
as well as prepare for emergencies or responds to urgent
fiscal or budgetary matters without bargaining, according
to the draft letter.
