Expert's View:
The High-3
Last week I talked about what’s included in basic pay, and what isn’t. . . writes benefits expert Reg Jones.
New Per Diem Rates Announced
The reimbursable maximum lodging portion of per diem rates for federal employees on official travel will fall by an average of nearly 6 percent effective October 1, GSA has announced, a drop it attributed to lowered prices for lodging due to the economic downturn. More
Common Destinations See Some Big Declines
Several of the most common travel destinations will see significant drops in their reimbursement. More
DoD Carves Exception from NSPS Transition
The Pentagon has carved out an exception for 30 medical occupations from the general process of transitioning employees out of the NSPS system. More
Job Prospects for Nurses Favorable
The federal government expects a "severe shortage" of nurses in the years ahead, OPM has said, in part related to needs to deal with emergency situations and wounded military personnel. More
Expanded TSA Bargaining Rights Possible
The two largest federal unions, AFGE and NTEU, are continuing to urge the Transportation Security Administration to grant bargaining rights to screeners as an administrative action. More
VA Rights Also Considered
Meanwhile, Congress is considering expanded bargaining rights for certain VA "Title 38" nurses and other medical professionals, with language to allow grievances and negotiations over some compensation-related matters having cleared the Senate committee level. More
Expert’s View: The High-3
Because your annuity will be based in part on your "high-3," you need to know how it’s computed, writes benefits expert Reg Jones. More
Telework Bill’s Impact Assessed
An MSPB publication says that it’s a myth that telework negatively affects federal employees’ productivity and that in general the opposite is true--that employees who work away from the regular worksite are in fact more productive. More
Guidance Issued on Weather Emergencies
OPM has sent guidance to agencies regarding weather emergencies, covering topics including dismissal of employees from work, telework, special hiring authorities and more. More
Federal Legal Corner: Establishing Discrimination
In Annette Davis v. More
Federal Legal Corner: Definition of Disability, 08/25/10
NSPS Phaseout Continuing, 08/25/10
Guidance on Social Media Issued, 08/25/10
Topic Always a Touchy One, 08/25/10
Few Political Conversions Found Questionable, 08/25/10
Expert's View: Basic Pay, 08/25/10
Other Policies at Stake, 08/25/10
Pay, Other Details of Spending Bill Released, 08/25/10
Payments Concentrated by Agency, Occupation, 08/25/10
Student Loan Program: Numbers Up, Amounts Down, 08/25/10
Federal Legal Corner: Suspension for Hatch Act Violation, 08/18/10
COLA-Less 2011 Looking More Likely, 08/18/10
Expert's View: Creditable Military Service , 08/18/10
Several DoD Initiatives Scaled Back, 08/18/10
Training, Feedback Issues Also Cited, 08/18/10
MSPB Cites Selection, Other Issues with Supervisors, 08/18/10
FEGLI Payout Arrangement Targeted, 08/18/10
Catch-up Contributions Reminder, 08/18/10
What Happens When Limit is Hit, 08/18/10
Guard Against Hitting TSP Dollar Limit, 08/18/10
Federal Legal Corner: EEOC Approves Default Judgment, 08/11/10
Special Rate Review Started, 08/11/10
Expert's View: Creditable Civilian Service , 08/11/10
Second Installment in Foreign Service Pay Boost Coming, 08/11/10
Emphasis Put on Disclaimers, 08/11/10
Guidance Issued on Outside Activities, 08/11/10
Personnel Relocations a Major Issue, 08/11/10
Burst of BRAC Activity Ahead, 08/11/10
Raise Boost May Be Hard Sell, 08/11/10
Pay Order Is a Possibility, 08/11/10
Federal Legal Corner: MSPB Reverses Indefinite Suspension, 08/04/10
Open Season Also Affects FSAs, FEDVIP, 08/04/10
Open Season Dates Set, 08/04/10
Greater Efforts for Disabled Ordered, 08/04/10
EEOC Summarizes Workforce Stats, 08/04/10
EEOC Process Gets Even Slower, 08/04/10
Expert's View: Retirement Eligibility, 08/04/10
Some Plans Close to Enactment, Others Not, 08/04/10