Deficit Reduction Commission Proposals Are Still Around: What Will It Mean for Your Pay and Benefits?

The deficit reduction commission made a number of proposals late last year, including some that would impact federal pay and benefits. President Obama has not endorsed the recommendations. That may be about to change. Here is a summary of proposals from this commission that would impact the federal workforce and retirement programs.

Reorganizing Uncle Sam: Missing Out on Retiree Input?

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.

Analyzing AFGE’s Proposals for a Grievance Procedure

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.

If You Don’t Want Medicare Part A–Too Bad Says Court to Federal Retirees

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.