Travel Comp Time Rules Finalized

By: fedweek

OPM has published rules finalizing policies that had been in effect on an interim basis regarding compensatory time off for federal employees who travel on official business during time for which they are not paid. The final rules in the April 17 Federal Register in general reflect policies in effect since early 2005, when travel comp time was first allowed under a 2004 law. The final rules clarify certain points, for example stating that Senior Executive Service, Senior Foreign Service, Foreign Service officers, non-appropriated fund and wage grade employees are not eligible, nor are employees on intermittent work schedules, but that part-time workers are eligible if they are not being paid for the travel time. In one policy change, time spent eating meals during creditable travel time will no longer be deducted from the total time accumulated.