Federal and Postal Disability Retirement under FERS or CSRS: The Law as a Shield of Compassion

When a Federal employee finds his medical condition prevents one from performing one or more of the essential elements of the job, he is considered “disabled” under the Law, and therefore eligible for Federal Disability Retirement benefits. Such an individual will often not be accommodated by the Agency, if only because “accommodation”is a difficult requirement to fulfill.

OPM Speaks Out: Why Your Tax Withholding Went Up and Your Federal Annuity Check Went Down

Many retirees are noticing an increase in the amount of federal tax being withheld from their monthly annuity payments. And, of course, this means that the amount of money you have to spend in your daily life is diminished as a result. Here is the information that OPM has just sent out with it’s explanation of what has occurred and why.

NTEU Responds to FedSmith Article on TSA Organizing

In a recent article, “Aggressive Union Organizing At Transportation Security Administration: National Security Issues?”, the author addressed concerns about the scope of recognition if NTEU were to win the election. The National NTEU President responded to the article. FedSmith provides her response and brief comments from the Author of the article.

Federal Union Pre-Decisional Bargaining: Is There Any Limit on the Scope?

The Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget (on dual letterhead, the first the Author has seen) issued guidance to Agency Heads on the operation of labor management Forums and on the administrations expectations concerning the Pre-decisional role of Federal unions in Agency decision making. The Author raises a number of questions including whether this memorandum invites ethics problems for Agencies. You decide.