Drop Schedule F Efforts, Prepare to Rework Contracts, Agencies Told
In response to President Biden’s cancellation of several Trump administration executive orders on the federal workforce, OPM has told agencies …More
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OPM to Override Trump-Era Rules on Federal Employee Discipline
OPM has said it is preparing to issue new regulations to override rules set by one of the Trump administration …More
Diversity & Inclusiveness Training Cleared for Restart
The Biden administration has told federal agencies to restart diversity and inclusiveness type training programs that had been effectively suspended …More
3.2 Percent Fed Raise Proposed; Tax Debt, MSPB Rights Also on Agenda
Among recently introduced bills in Congress is S-561, to set a 3.2 percent federal employee pay raise for January 2022, …More
USPS Reorganization Features Some Early Outs but Not Buyouts
The Postal Service has announced a limited early retirement opportunity effective April 30 for certain non-bargaining unit employees at headquarters, …More
OPM Revives Rank Awards, Calls for Nominations
OPM has revived the annual Presidential Rank Awards for career employees in the SES and equivalent levels, asking agencies to …More
OPM Targets Problem of Surprise Billing; Calls for Enhanced FEHB Benefits
OPM has encouraged FEHB carriers to enhance their benefit offerings in several areas for the 2022 plan year and to …More
FEHB: OPM Cites Mental Health, Social Inequity in Care Outcomes
OPM has said that as medical issues related to the pandemic evolve, the FEHB program will change with it and …More
Justice Dept. Grappling with Whether Employees Can Be Compelled to Get Vaccine
Federal agencies “face a variety of legal issues concerning employee vaccinations, including privacy, office safety, and discrimination issues” the Justice …More
VA Audit Notes Controversy over ‘Conservation’ of PPE
The VA ran low on personal protective equipment in the early period of the pandemic but never ran out, says …More
House Advances Bill on Leave Fund, Takes Up one on Ethics
The House has passed a wide-ranging bill on pandemic relief and economic stimulus (HR-1319) that would create a special fund …More
OPM: Marijuana Not an Automatic Disqualifier for Federal Employment
OPM has told agencies not to “automatically” deem the use or possession of marijuana as disqualifying someone from federal employment …More
Most TSP Funds End February Up Despite Pull Back
TSP funds posted gains in February except the bond F fund—which was down 1.45 percent—with the small company stock S …More
Proposed Leave Fund, Pace of Vaccinations Draw Attention of Congress
The impact of the pandemic on the federal workforce is drawing increased attention of Congress on several fronts, with the …More
Agencies Starting to Revise Policies on Recalls, Other Pandemic Issues
Federal agencies have begun revising their policies on recalling employees from telework and other pandemic-related issues in light of the …More
Discipline Possible for Feds Not Following Safety Practices, Mask Wearing
New guidance regarding Coronavirus-related safety practices in the federal workplace raises the prospect that employees who do not comply could …More
Guidance Calls for Leave to Get Vaccine, Other Reasons
Federal agencies have been told that they “should offer” administrative leave to their employees of up to four hours for …More
Former OPM Chief of Staff Named to Lead Agency
President Biden has nominated Kiran Ahuja, who was OPM chief of staff for several years during the Obama administration and …More
OPM Stresses Limits on Hiring Prior Political Appointees into Career Jobs
Limits on “burrowing in” – placing political appointees into career positions – apply after a presidential transition as well as …More
Postal Reform Effort to Focus on Financial Relief, Transparency
The outlines of the latest postal reform effort on Capitol Hill are starting to take shape, with the House Oversight …More
Employees Suspended for Social Media Posts Violating Hatch Act
The outcomes of several recent Hatch Act-related cases serve as a reminder that limits on partisan political activities apply to …More
Extra Paid Leave Proposed for Feds Who Use Up Sick Leave Due to Pandemic
The House is moving toward creating a new central fund that would provide additional paid leave time for federal employees …More
Bills Offered on Recalls from Telework, Other Issues
Legislation (HR-978) has been reintroduced in Congress to set standards for recalling federal employees to their regular worksites from telework, …More
Concerns Remain about Pace of Vaccinations for Federal Employees
Concerns are continuing about the pace of vaccinations against the Coronavirus of federal employees in high-priority occupations even as the …More
IRS Issues Reminder on Limits of Home Office Deduction
The IRS has issued a statement calling attention to a number of special considerations for filing tax returns for the …More
Agencies Told to Clearly Communicate Operating Status Changes
OPM has told agencies to consistently inform employees, including those on telework, of operating status changes due to severe weather …More
Renewed Push for Postal Service Changes Ahead
A renewed push for changes in Postal Service operations is expected soon, the latest in efforts stretching across many years …More
Pandemic Bill Becomes First Vehicle for Possible Federal Workplace Changes
Congress has mapped out a schedule in which the first main order of business will be enactment of a pandemic …More
Safety Concerns as More Employees Set to Return to Regular Worksite; Office “Neighborhoods”
As federal agencies bring more employees back to their regular workplaces, “they will continue to face challenges in ensuring a …More
DoD Issues Sweeping Policy on Masks, Distancing at Facilities
The Defense Department has issued a broad mandate for wearing of masks, social distancing and other pandemic protections at all …More
