The use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines by the TSA in airports around the country has been a controversial issue. Security and health concerns have been expressed about the use of the machines, while others think the machines make flying safer. Two Congressmen are sponsoring legislation to restrict use of the machines in airports.
A bill introduced this week would prohibit Dept. of Defense employees who receive an unsatisfactory rating from receiving a salary increase.
The GAO has issued a report on the potential cost savings vs. risk factors for the USPS moving to a 5 day mail delivery schedule. According to GAO, the new schedule would likely result in substantial savings, however the extent of these savings depends on how effectively it is implemented.
New regulations from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offer revised guidelines on the issue of how to define a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
It was recently announced that Jeffrey Zients, Deputy OMB Director was going to reorganize all of the Trade Agencies in three months. There is a Federal employee website to solicit input but no such vehicle for retirees or other stakeholders to provide their insights. So Fedsmith and the author have teamed up on a survey to see what its readers might think of some longer term suggestions. The author explains his choices for how to proceed.
What is the CSRS offset program and how is it different from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?
This bill would end the defined benefit pension portion of the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) for new federal government hires starting in 2013. Current federal employees would not be affected, but it would apply to members of Congress.
The author offers an analysis of AFGE proposals made relatively recently in a national contract negotiation. The Analysis points out issues Agencies should consider when negotiating such language. This is timely in light of FLRA decisions suggesting that agencies should extend extra effort in protecting their prerogatives by its expansion of arbitrator authority.
A federal court decision will have repercussions for federal retirees who prefer to keep their health benefits program in retirement rather than go under Medicare Part A (hospitalization) coverage. To avoid using Medicare Part A, the court rules they will have to give up Social Security benefits and repay all Social Security benefits received.
The Postal Service has announced plans to eliminate about 7,500 positions, close 7 district offices, and offer a voluntary early retirement buyout of $20,000, paid over two fiscal years, for qualifying employees.
