People
Bill to modernize Plum Book clears Senate committee
The measure looks to require more frequent updates of the directory of political appointees.
People
Trump to nominate new OPM head
The candidate to serve as the nation's top human resources official has a background in computer science and software development, and a controversial record as a conservative commentator.
People
House appropriators put protections for federal workers into FY21 funding bill
Provisions would block the OPM-GSA merger and empower unions, but the bill does not touch on pay raises.
People
Some feds will see use-or-lose leave restored due to the pandemic
New regulations will allow workers designated essential during the coronavirus outbreak to have their unused leave restored.
People
OPM looks to its own reopening
As Capitol Region local governments are starting to phase in their own reopening plans, the Office of Personnel Management put out a detailed guide for returning its own employees to the office.
Modernization
Federal HR offices have been slow to recover since 1990s downsizing, says MSPB
Plans for automation and other technologies to allow for individual HR employees to handle a larger workload haven't panned out.
People
House Dems want paid parental leave benefit to apply retroactively
Letting new parents take time off would alleviate coronavirus-related concerns, members stated in a May 8 letter to leadership.
People
White House lays out plans to open agencies, move off telework
In a new document, the federal government explains plans to align a reopening of all federal agency functions and a return to in-person work with national guidelines promulgated by the White House and health officials on bringing back a state of normalcy when a decline in the COVID-19 pandemic occurs.
Cybersecurity
Federal vacancies hamper government response to COVID-19, groups allege
Government oversight experts and advocacy groups say Senate leaders should withhold cooperation until vacancies are filled.
People
OPM lifts caps on hazard pay for COVID-19
Government employees who are considered essential frontline workers could receive extra pay during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.
People
OPM loosens purse strings on recruitment, retention and relocation
New policy allows agencies to ask for waiver of 25% incentive and retention caps in COVID-19 response.
People
Oversight Dems want answers from GSA on OPM facilities move
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are complaining that the Trump administration is continuing to advance the proposed merger of the Office of Personnel Management into the General Services Administration despite language in recent legislation requiring a pause on the effort.
Digital Government
NAPA will study OPM-GSA merger
The Academy expects to have complete study by March 2021.
People
FLRA ruling changes union withholding rules
In a blow to federal unions, the Federal Labor Relations Authority ruled on Feb. 14 that federal workers could stop paying union dues at any time, instead of observing the current practice of letting employees elect to withhold dues once a year.
People
Lawmakers hope to extend paid parental leave beyond Title 5
A new bill would update federal workforce law to allow more employees to take advantage of a paid parental leave benefit.
People
White House floats 1% pay raise for civilian feds in 2021 budget
Democrats in Congress and federal employee unions are pushing legislation for a 3.5% pay hike.
People
Retirement claims for feds spike in January
Retirement claims for January 2020 is largest in eight years.
People
OPM preps guidance about Wuhan coronavirus
Despite current low risk of contraction, OPM encourages feds to use good hygiene and use workplace flexibilities where needed
People
OPM publishes database of union agreements
The database publication, required under an executive order, is being touted as supporting workforce transparency and accountability.
People