Policy, Politics, Religion and Death: Could There Be Any Controversy Here?
Sometimes agency policy decisions can create a strong emotional reaction from the public.
Month: October 2007
Reform, Retirement and Hot Air: Will Boomer Retirements Create a Crisis?
All of the baby boomers will be long retired before we have a solution to this crisis that is supposedly going to be brought about by their retirement. Perhaps agencies should be looking seriously at a career development program that can be implemented at a local level and that does not require an Act of Congress.
Does Federal Employment Equate to Military Service?
A fired Postal Service worker claimed discrimination based on her military service. But, as the Administrative Judge pointed out, she had not been in the military. The fired fed did not see that as a problem limiting her appeal rights but a court took a different approach.
“Not Meant for Public Distribution”
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs has a new policy that bans employees and volunteers from being involved in a flag folding ceremony with religious overtones. The new policy has overturned a long-standing tradition, infuriated veterans, and reduced the role of religion in burial ceremonies at national cemeteries. The new policy memo is not available and was “not meant for public distribution.”
What Every Federal Manager Needs to Know Before Deciding What Action to Take for Employee Misconduct
Federal law addresses the removal of a career civil service employee for treason and for unacceptable performance in detail. Discipline for other reasons isn’t so clearly spelled out. This article shows a path through the maze of Federal rules governing discipline for managers who do not do this every day.
Does MSPB Order Supersede Union Agreement?
Does an order of the Merit Systems Protection Board supersede a collective bargaining agreement? A Postal Service employee, who had been demoted and suspended, contended the agency had an obligation to put him into a position that would have violated a union agreement. The Board and a federal court ruled the agency was not required to violate the union agreement.
“So, Mr. Einstein, what do you plan to come up with next year?”
Performance appraisals are becoming more important to federal employees as pay for performance plans expand. What appraisal techniques work and which ones do not? Absurd performance standards can result if an agency does not pay close attention to how they are being written. Here are suggestions from an expert in the area of writing performance standards.
“Chain of Command” and Federal Whistleblowers
An email that went from a Navy employee to the human resources office alleged incidents of abuse by the employee’s supervisors. The email violated the written instructions the employee had previously received to follow the chain of command. The employee was fired and loses on appeal.
Best East Coast Cities for Defense Jobs
The east coast is the number one spot in the nation for jobs in the defense industry. The region spans from the Maryland suburbs and as far south as Richmond.
Readers Express Preference for Clinton as Democratic Nominee
Who do readers favor to be the Democratic nominee for President next year? A few months can make a big difference as voters learn more about the candidates and hear their positions. This year is no exception and the latest survey shows a dramatic difference.
