Human Resources
Effective Counseling Meetings Require Careful Planning
If you are a federal manager or supervisor, you will have to learn how to counsel employees about a problem. Most people find that planning such a meeting…
Labor Relations
Stay informed on the latest developments in federal labor relations, including updates on collective bargaining, union negotiations, FLRA decisions, labor‑management disputes, and federal workforce policies that shape the rights and responsibilities of federal employees. Find news and analysis on AFGE, NTEU and other federal unions, bargaining agreements, workplace rules, and major actions affecting labor relations across federal agencies. Find clear insights into how evolving labor policies impact the federal workforce and agency operations.
Federal Workforce News
One Drink is Too Many and 100 is Not Enough
In most cases, a federal employee who is an alcoholic will not be able to keep a federal security clearance. In an unusual case, one federal employee kept…
Federal Workforce News
Appraisals, Objectivity, and the Little Black Book
Controversy continue around pay-for-performance in government despite apprehensions by many employees and supervisors. Successful performance appraisals require a system that works well. The author has a "modest proposal"…
Human Resources
FLRA Has a Union – On What Authority?
The FLRA is specifically excluded from coverage of the federal labor relations law. What is the legal authority for this agency to recognize a union?
Federal Workforce News
Court to MSPB: Prematurely Weighing Evidence Can Be Dangerous
A GSA employee convinces a federal court that being barred from the workplace was a constructive suspension and the court told the MSPB that the employee deserved a…
Human Resources
Federal Bargaining Endgames: Part Four – Closing With the Panel or an Interest Arbitrator
Here are tips and guidance for negotiators who may use the federal bargaining process.
Federal Workforce News
Federal Bargaining Endgames: Part Three – Closing With Mediation
The federal bargaining process requires using federal mediation before going on to impasse. Here are practical tips for successfully dealing with a mediator in federal sector labor negotiations.
Federal Workforce News
Case of the Overly Zealous Federal Police Officer
A civilian police officer working for the Navy was removed in 2004 for charges including AWOL and inappropriate conduct. He filed various appeals but a federal appeals court…
Human Resources
Federal Bargaining Endgames: Part Two – Closing Without Outsiders
How do you reach agreement with a union without involving a third party? Here are some practical steps an agency can take based on the experience of an…
Federal Workforce News
Watching TV, Going to Class, Lifting Weights: All Part of the Workday
A federal court found a problem with an agency's deciding official talking with other managers about their views of an employee who had received a removal notice. And,…