Do Not Let OPM Reduce Your Retirement Benefits Without an Appeal
Some retired federal employees were recently notified by OPM that their annuity payments were being reduced. Do they have any appeal options?
MSPB
When is a Law Not a Law?
The author asks when or if it is acceptable to work around federal HR law for convenience because the penalty for violation is excessive.
Happy Birthday to the Civil Service
This year marks the 135th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission. What are some of the current problems facing the civil service?
50-Count Indictment Leads to Indefinite Suspension at VA
An Atlanta VA employee, indicted by a Federal grand jury on 50 counts of making false statements in connection with performing his official duties, was indefinitely suspended by the agency pending the outcome of the criminal case against him.
Barriers to Effectively Using the Supervisory Probationary Period
The MSPB found in a recent survey that barriers exist which cause federal managers not to fully utilize employee probationary periods to deal with non-performers.
EQUALS Act Doubles Probationary Periods, but Doesn’t Eliminate Rights to Appeal Adverse Actions
Although new legislation would double the probationary period for new federal employees if it becomes law, these employees still would have appeal options.
Second Guessing the FBI or Any Other Agency’s Specific Authority
The author says that a recent case regarding a security clearance involves a political decision from a judge that he says ultimately harms the agency’s mission.
3 Ideas For Dealing With Problem Employees
Three recent reports raised the issue of dealing with problem employees. The author analyzes the reports and offers three steps he says would also help.
No Quorum Means No Movement on MSPB Appeals
The lack of a quorum at the MSPB means the agency cannot issue any new decisions, likely leading to a backlog of appeals.
A Federal Internship Does Not Guarantee a Permanent Position
Does the Merit Systems Protection Board have jurisdiction to review an agency’s decision not to convert an intern position to a permanent appointment? The MSPB says no and the appeals court now agrees.
