No Contract, Fewer Protections: The Labor Relations Reality for Federal Employees
New executive orders are reshaping federal unions—cutting contracts, disrupting dues, and leaving employees with fewer protections and more uncertainty.
Author: Ralph R. Smith
Iran Conflict Jolts Inflation Higher—And Clouds the Outlook for the 2027 COLA
March inflation jumped due to the Iran war, raising early 2027 COLA projections and adding uncertainty. The final outcome now depends on energy prices this summer.
OPM Wants Your Health Data: A New Push to Control FEHB Costs
OPM has proposed collecting detailed health claims data from FEHB and PSHB insurers, aiming for cost control but raising privacy and care oversight concerns.
No College Degree, Not A Problem: Major Overhaul in Federal Hiring
Dropping college degree requirements for many federal jobs is a major shift to skills-based hiring. It expands the talent pool but raising questions about consistency and workforce quality.
7% for the Military, 0% for Civilians? The 2027 Pay Raise Proposal Federal Employees Won’t Like
The Trump administration has proposed a 7% military raise but no 2027 federal employee pay raise. What is this likely to ultimately mean for federal employees?
The Evolution of Federal Hiring: Why PACE and ACWA Are Relics
Federal hiring is moving away from outdated exams like PACE toward a private-sector model, making hiring more targeted, flexible, and job-related.
TSP Returns Slide in Early 2026 as Global Turmoil Reshapes Markets
TSP returns plunged in March 2026, erasing early gains. Most funds ended negative, with only the G Fund staying positive amid market volatility.
FLRA’s Power Shift: Faster Decisions, Political Control, and Nationwide Union Bargaining Units
A new FLRA regulation speeds up decisions but shifts power to political appointees—raising stakes for large nationwide bargaining units that preserve union security and stability.
TSP Investors Are Rapidly Doubling I Fund Exposure—Driven by 2025’s Breakout Returns
TSP investors flock to the I Fund after its strong 2025 showing, doubling allocations in a year—boosting diversification but risking return-chasing.
Making FERS Work: How Federal Employees Should Plan Retirement Using the TSP, Pension, and Social Security
FERS retirement relies on your pension, Social Security, and TSP. Here’s how they combine and an analysis of what’s needed to match (or exceed) CSRS income.
