Much Left to Be Decided

The rules are the latest step under authority DoD received two years ago to revamp many of its personnel practices, but although they are in final form, much remains to be defined about the new system. DoD for example has yet to finalize exactly how the occupational groupings and pay banding system that will be at the heart of the compensation system is to be structured; discussions with unions on that point are ongoing. Also still to be defined is exactly how pay raises will be divided up between market-based and performance-based pay. Yet another issue is to what extent management will override provisions in existing union contracts and other established workplace policies that it deems in conflict with NSPS procedures. And the regs define only in general terms what is to be negotiable, leaving the specifics to be worked out at the bargaining table, through later management directives and, potentially, through litigation.