Implementation Plans Still in Place

Both DHS and DoD continue to make plans to go ahead with implementation of the parts of their systems not directly affected by the court rulings. DoD plans to carry out the changes in job classification, evaluations, pay, hiring and reduction in force procedures on a phased-in basis starting with about 11,000 non-union employees April 30, another phase this fall and a third phase in early 2007—although the numbers of employees to be in those phases are still in flux. DHS plans to begin with about 20,000 employees in early 2007. Both departments plan to eventually cover the large majority of their employees by the new systems, although continued court battles could force further delays and further changes along the way. The legal battle could ultimately end up at the Supreme Court.