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.

People

VA medical staff push for more PPE, agency bill of rights

As more patients and staffers contract coronavirus infections, employees are seeking more personal protective equipment, collaboration with management and hazard pay.

Digital Government

Lawmakers worried over threats to IG independence

A spate of letters reveal that lawmakers are increasingly concerned that agency inspectors general are operating under threat of reprisal and being stripped of their independence.

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

House Dems seek consistency for feds in COVID-19 workforce policies

Childcare cost subsidies, weather and safety leave, telework allowances are among priorities for Democrats in planned CARES-2 legislative package.

People

Court ruling makes investigating whistleblowers easier

Whistleblowers must prove retaliation through official personnel action under the WPA

People

Temporary Excused Paid Leave sounds good but is hard to come by

Feds with dependent care responsibilities that stretch them to the breaking point have a stopgap once leave options are exhausted, but many agencies are reluctant to put it in play.

Digital Government

House Dems push improved protections for agency watchdogs

Congress wants CIGIE’s input on new legislation to safeguard Inspectors General from political interference.

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.

Cybersecurity

Trump shakes up official watchdog ranks

The White House removed an official designated to provide oversight to the $2 trillion rescue and relief fund and nominated a raft of new appointees to handle oversight chores at multiple agencies.

People

Union warns of coronavirus exposure in federal prisons, VA facilities

The American Federation of Government Employees filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about alleged violations of safety standards.

People

Senate Dems push hazard pay for essential workers

Feds are included in the proposed premium pay increase that would float $13 dollars per hour into the paychecks of frontline workers.

People

AFGE head: Federal managers are exacerbating pandemic risks

In a recent interview, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said that some agencies have directed managers to exclude unions from key decisions involving employee safety.

People

IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule

The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.

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

OMB wants telework extended to vulnerable feds amid pandemic

Russell Voight, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wants federal agencies to let federal employees at greater risk for complications of COVID-19 telework.

People

AFGE member alleges ex-president abused her adult son for years

A day after J. David Cox resigned amid charges of sexual harassment and misusing union funds, other alleged victims react to the newest allegations.