Evaluating EEO As If It Really Mattered
Writing a performance standard for EEO is different than in other areas. Here is why it is different and a suggestion for writing a better standard.
Market Timing and Your TSP
Imposing restrictions on frequent trades in the TSP has generated numerous comments and frequent expressions of outrage from readers. Some readers give examples of how they have made considerable amounts of money with their frequent trading. Should everyone be trying to time the market with their future retirement funds?
Whistleblower Gets a Win in Court
A financial economist complained that her supervisor took adverse personnel actions against her in retaliation for whistleblowing. The administrative judge and the MSPB blew off the allegations but a federal court sends the case back to the Board. It found, among other things, that the Board erred in holding that an action that never actually occurred cannot serve as the basis for a protected disclosure.
Traders Taking Bite From TSP Returns
Out of a few million Thrift Savings Plan participants, there are several thousand who trade their funds on a frequent basis. This activity is costing a few million dollars a year in additional expenses. The TSP is considering a recommendation to limit the number of TSP trades that a participant could make during a month.
Shutdowns, Furloughs, COLAs, Congress and the 2008 Pay Raise
Congress has gone home even though the Senate says it is still technically open for business. While they may enjoy their time away from DC, their departure leaves open the possibility of furloughs in DoD, funding for most federal agencies still up in the air and uncertainty about the 2008 pay raise for current federal employees. Retirees are set though. Enjoy your holiday.
Job Performance, Medical Problems, Accommodation and Removal Actions
While the Air Force tolerated (an employee) continuing in his job “despite his inability to perform his full duties, the Air Force was not required to do so indefinitely.”
The Federal Budget, Government Shutdown and the 2008 Pay Raise
Any federal employee who may have wondered if career civil service employees are involved in politics need only consider the current budget war on spending for fiscal year 2008 (for the fiscal year that started October 1st). Will there be a government shutdown? Will “nonessential” federal employees be sent home? Will the dispute impact your 2008 pay raise?
Best Southwest Cities for Defense Jobs
Many federal retirees continue to work after leaving federal service. Here is a report on the jobs outlook in the defense industry located in the Southwestern United States–a popular destination for retirees.
Fired Fed Had Multiple Reasons for Not Going to Work But Stays Fired
An employee of DHS was fired by the agency for unauthorized absences on numerous occasions. The former fed went to federal court after having an arbitrator rule against her. In court, she argued the agency had improperly considered previous disciplinary actions in its decision.
If I Had Known They Could Fire Me, I Would Not Have Done It
In addition to the typical defense that he was fired because he was a “whistleblower”, this Air Force employee argued that his “employment contract” with the government did not outline the standard of review for indefinite suspensions. Fortunately for agencies, the court held that an agency is not required prior to hiring a new employee “to provide…all the case law that may become relevant….”
