Repeal of DHS Changes Sought

Separately, the House Homeland Security passed, as part of a reauthorization bill for DHS (HR-1684), language to repeal the alternative personnel system there, formerly known as MaxHR but recently renamed the human capital operational plan. Sponsors of the amendment in particular criticized the system for undercutting union rights, although other aspects of the system, including changes in disciplinary and appeals procedures, and an emphasis on pay for performance, also have been controversial. The DHS program has experienced numerous delays and changes in plans, including a court injunction, an announcement earlier this year that implementation was being delayed pending a pilot project in intelligence jobs, and a later announcement that DHS intended to proceed with the planned changes in performance management, discipline and appeals. In response, OPM said it “has been a long-standing advocate for personnel reform that provides employees with the benefits of contemporary performance and compensation practices. We continue to believe that the provisions in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 are consistent with that objective and we oppose any efforts to revoke these authorities.” The measure also would put Customs and Border Protection officers under the special retirement provisions applying to law enforcement officers, another long-standing union goal.