Federal Employee Unions and the Official Time Reform Act
A new bill would reduce retirement income for some federal employees working as federal union representatives while being paid by the federal government.
Official Time
Legislation Introduced Requiring OPM to Submit Annual Report on Union Use of Official Time
Legislation has been introduced that would require OPM to submit an annual report to Congress on the amount of official time used by federal employee unions.
House Committee Hearing Scrutinizes Use of Official Time at VA
Does the use of official time at the VA improve veterans’ care, and how much official time is actually used by employees? A recent House Committee hearing sought to find answers to these questions.
Paid Time for Union Activity and Government Efficiency
How much time and money are spent at the VA on official time? GAO finds no consistent reporting system.
Trump Administration Proposing Drastic Cuts to Federal Workforce
As a new administration prepares to set up shop in Washington, significant budget cuts are being discussed. Here is a summary of what some of these proposals might be and how they would potentially impact federal employees.
Should Federal Employees Be ‘At Will’ Employees?
Should federal employees be “at will” employees? It is unlikely changes of this magnitude outlined in a recent bill will be implemented as there will be fierce opposition. Here is a summary.
Fixing Federal Labor Relations: Official Time May Not be the Biggest Problem
The author says there are at least four issues in the current labor relations system which need correcting to make government work more efficiently and effectively. He outlines each issue as he sees them and what his suggestions are for fixing them.
Bill to Require OPM to Report Annually on Official Time Moves Ahead
A bill to require OPM to provide annual information on the amount of official time used by federal employees engaging in union activity has been sent to the House for consideration.
House Committee Fires Off Letters Demanding Data on Federal Employees’ Use of ‘Official Time’
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) fired off numerous letters late last week to various federal agency leaders requesting data on federal employees’ use of official time.
How Much Official Time Used by Federal Unions? No One Really Knows
GAO analyzed a recent OPM report on official time usage by federal employee unions. It found significant discrepancies in the data but OPM noted that providing more accurate data “is not a priority at this time.”
