The long-running special rate back pay suit has taken another step toward resolution, with tentative approval by a federal judge of a settlement reached earlier this year between the government and the National Treasury Employees Union. Mailings are going out to potentially affected employees and former employees inviting comment on the agreement, with the next court date set for November 18, when the judge-of the United States Court of Federal Claims-will consider whether to grant final approval. NTEU says that class members need do nothing at this point to claim their share of the $173.5 million settlement.