The Federal Eye: Workplace Issues


Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 05/07/2012

Public Service Recognition Week May 6 - 12
By Marcia Davis
Public Service Recognition Week launches in support of nation’s civil servants.

By Marcia Davis  |  03:25 PM ET, 05/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 04/02/2012

Domestic partners bill gets boost in Senate
By Joe Davidson
More cosponsors sign on to the domestic partners bill, which also won endorsements from more than 30 groups.

By Joe Davidson  |  01:00 PM ET, 04/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 02:57 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Senate rejects plan to extend federal pay freeze
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
Measure would have extended the freeze through 2013 to pay for tax breaks and energy projects.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  02:57 PM ET, 03/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 02/27/2012

In op-ed, federal worker says, ‘I’m fed up’
By Ed O'Keefe
A career Foreign Service officer uses a Washington Post op-ed to express what he thinks are the opinions of many of his rank-and-file colleagues.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:30 AM ET, 02/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  From The Pages of The Post, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 02/16/2012

How Benjamin Cardin got the federal pension deal
By Ed O'Keefe
The Maryland senator says that after these changes to federal compensation, “this is it.”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:19 PM ET, 02/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 02/16/2012

Payroll tax deal forces new federal employees to pay more for retirement benefits
By Ed O'Keefe and Ben Pershing
Future federal employees would have to pay more for their retirement as part of a deal struck early Thursday.

By Ed O'Keefe and Ben Pershing  |  12:00 PM ET, 02/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/16/2012

How much do federal employees earn?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
FEDERAL EYE | As Congress debates pay freezes and pensions, we take a look at how much federal employees make on average.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:16 PM ET, 02/15/2012

Payroll tax deal may include federal pension changes
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal worker unions strongly opposed to plans to pay for payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits with federal worker compensation.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:16 PM ET, 02/15/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/15/2012

Where do government employees live and work?
By Ed O'Keefe
Contrary to what some may think, most don’t live in the Washington area.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/15/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 02/13/2012

Federal budget 2013: Obama’s budget boosts pay, size of federal workforce remains relatively flat
By Ed O'Keefe
But the proposed pay raises differ and are likely to spark criticism.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:57 AM ET, 02/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/13/2012

Plan to close USDA day-care center upsets parents
By Ed O'Keefe
Facility at USDA headquarters must close for safety concerns; parents say they didn’t have enough warning.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/10/2012

Federal workers’ union targets GOP in new ad
By Ed O'Keefe
The ad, set to start airing this weekend, blasts Republicans for their plans to cut federal workers’ benefits.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 02/08/2012

Federal employees allowed to leave early due to snow
By Ed O'Keefe
With up to 3 inches of the white stuff expected later today, OPM says employees may leave early or telework.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:40 AM ET, 02/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 02/07/2012

TSP outlines new investment option
By Eric Yoder
Proposed rules lay the groundwork for a major change in the investment options available to federal employees through the Thrift Savings Plan.

By Eric Yoder  |  10:44 AM ET, 02/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/07/2012

Republicans keep focus on federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | Less than a week after House Republicans voted to freeze pay increases for federal employees, a bill forcing the rank and file to pay more for retirement benefits is up next.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 02/06/2012

Where do federal employees work? (In one chart!)
By Ed O'Keefe
This chart demonstrates the great divide between federal employees who work for the Defense Department and those that don’t.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 02/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/03/2012

Union leader blasts CBO federal pay study
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal employees do not “get rich off their pensions,” she says.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:00 AM ET, 02/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, From The Pages of The Post

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/02/2012

Which lawmakers are friendliest to federal workers?
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report card ranks which lawmakers vote most often in the interest of federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:12 PM ET, 02/01/2012

House votes to freeze congressional, federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
The vote is a symbolic victory for the GOP, which has cast government pay as an example of excessive federal spending.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:12 PM ET, 02/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Obama calls again for capping government contractor pay
By Ed O'Keefe and Marjorie Censer
The White House renews call to cut government contractor pay as GOP plans vote on a bill to freeze federal worker salaries.

By Ed O'Keefe and Marjorie Censer  |  06:04 AM ET, 01/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 05:19 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Federal, congressional pay freeze bill to be considered by House this week
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
A Wisconsin Republican wants to stop government pay raises for one more year, going against White House budget proposal.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  05:19 PM ET, 01/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012

The defense budget and civilian federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
Don’t be confused: The new Pentagon budget doesn’t set the rate of pay for other federal workers.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012

All federal workers to be quizzed on satisfaction
By Ed O'Keefe
The Obama administration opens up a worker satisfaction survey to more than 1.8 million workers.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Federal employees owe $1.03 billion in unpaid taxes
By Ed O'Keefe
The Internal Revenue Service releases updated figures for how much federal, congressional and postal workers owe Uncle Sam.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues, Postal Service, Agencies and Departments, Eye Opener, Video Report

Posted at 07:23 PM ET, 01/22/2012

Federal offices opening at 11 a.m. on Monday
By Ed O'Keefe
Icy conditions overnight are to blame; workers will be given two hours of excused absence.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:23 PM ET, 01/22/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012

Congressional wildfire ‘office pool’ angers firefighters
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal firefighters complained this week when they learned Capitol Hill staffers bet on how many acres of land would burn.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Obama plans to visit federal agencies more often
By Ed O'Keefe
With an election season underway, President Obama plans to visit federal agencies in the coming weeks to thank rank-and-file federal employees for their service.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:00 PM ET, 01/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Buyouts, buyouts everywhere!
By Ed O'Keefe
With bigger budget cuts looming, agencies turn to buyouts to save money.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson to be memorialized
By Ed O'Keefe
Friends, colleagues and dignitaries to gather today to remember the first female park ranger killed in the line of duty.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:40 AM ET, 01/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012

Obama to meet with SAVE Award winner
By Ed O'Keefe
The president is set to meet with a Maryland NASA worker with some cost-cutting ideas.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Budget, Administration, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 01/06/2012

White House proposes 0.5 percent pay increase for federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The proposed raise is far below the national cost of living increase and comes amid tight budget restrictions.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:01 PM ET, 01/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 01/04/2012

Nominations being accepted for ‘Sammies’
By Ed O'Keefe
Folks have until Jan. 18 to nominate top-performing federal employees for a prestigious honor.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:55 PM ET, 01/04/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012

When are the 2012 federal holidays? (And looking ahead to 2013.)
By Ed O'Keefe
You're just back to work after the holidays. So when can you take a day off in 2012?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 01/02/2012

Man sought in park ranger’s killing believed dead
By Ed O'Keefe and Paul Duggan
Gunmen killed two federal law enforcement officers over the weekend in unrelated incidents, capping a deadly year for federal law enforcement agencies and marking the new year with a grave milestone.

By Ed O'Keefe and Paul Duggan  |  02:38 PM ET, 01/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:28 PM ET, 12/20/2011

‘Flags for Feds’ bill is now law
By Ed O'Keefe
Agencies will now be able to give a U.S. flag to the family of a federal employee killed in the line of duty due to a crime, terrorist attack or natural disaster.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:28 PM ET, 12/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 12/19/2011

Extend payroll tax cut, leave federal pay alone, union says
By Ed O'Keefe
A federal worker union once again urges lawmakers to leave federal salaries alone as they vote to extend the payroll tax cut.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:08 PM ET, 12/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 12/13/2011

Union: Federal workers deserve higher mileage deductibility rate
By Ed O'Keefe
Leaders say federal workers deserve to have a deductibility rate on par with national standard.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:00 PM ET, 12/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 12/13/2011

Lieberman: Federal workers should prepare for longer pay freeze
By Ed O'Keefe
The senator said it’s an unfortunate necessity due to tighter budgets.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:00 AM ET, 12/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 12/12/2011

What the Republican payroll tax plan would mean for federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe
It would force most employees to recalculate earnings and potential retirement savings.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:04 PM ET, 12/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:15 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Federal unions oppose House GOP payroll tax plan
By Ed O'Keefe
They’re livid over plans to raise federal worker benefits to pay for the tax cut.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:15 PM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Congress approves flag honors for federal employees
By Eric Yoder
The Senate has joined the House in authorizing the presentation of American flags to the survivors of federal employees killed in the line of duty.

By Eric Yoder  |  12:45 PM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 12/09/2011

Army slashing 8,700 jobs as budget cuts begin
By Ed O'Keefe
Buyouts and attrition will help meet the reductions by next September.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:15 AM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Military, Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 12/09/2011

Federal workers enjoy a free lunch (video)
By Ed O'Keefe
Some took time out of their schedules to head out in the cold and get a free lunch — yes, a legitimate free lunch.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:00 AM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Video Report

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/08/2011

Will commuter benefits for federal workers expire?
By Ed O'Keefe
Union warns that federal workers will have to shell out more starting next year unless Congress acts.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 01:06 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Bonuses for senior federal workers dropped in 2010
By Ed O'Keefe
Latest figures suggest the rank-and-file’s top senior managers took home less extra pay in fiscal 2010.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:06 PM ET, 12/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 12/02/2011

Darrell Issa on Rick Perry’s ‘God awful’ threat to federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The GOP chairman overseeing federal workers says the Texas governor’s comments are more about politics than reality.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:40 AM ET, 12/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/02/2011

Fed up federal workers to feast on free food
By Ed O'Keefe
Fans of public servants plan to hand out a free lunch next week.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 11/30/2011

Rick Perry: Disagreeable federal workers would be reassigned to ‘some really God-awful place’ (video)
By Ed O'Keefe
The Texas governor explains how, if elected president, he’d handle career government workers who disagree with his policies.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:30 AM ET, 11/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011

Are American embassy personnel safe?
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | This week’s attack on British diplomats in Iran recalls steps taken to protect U.S. staffers abroad.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011

How the Obama administration woos new recruits
By Ed O'Keefe
Take a look at how one senior official tries convincing young folks that working for the government is still “cool.”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 11/29/2011

Bill would make TSA screening of U.S. troops faster
By Ed O'Keefe
Lawmakers will vote tonight on a bill that would force such a change.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:04 AM ET, 11/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011

Postal Service, two unions extend negotiations
By Ed O'Keefe
Negotiations will continue for two and a half more weeks, leaders say.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Postal Service, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011

What a ‘supercommittee’ failure could mean for federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe, Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder
The lack of a deal won’t make life any easier for federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe, Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 11/18/2011

Bill giving gay federal workers full benefits reintroduced
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
It’s the latest in a series of attempts to extend full benefits to the same-sex partners of federal government employees.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  02:20 PM ET, 11/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:50 AM ET, 11/17/2011

Federal workers are not overpaid, union leader says
By Ed O'Keefe
They earn more because of age, education and experience, union boss Colleen Kelly says.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:50 AM ET, 11/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 11/16/2011

Is the supercommittee giving you the jitters?
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal workers, we need to hear from you!

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:50 PM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 11/16/2011

Best Places to Work: Leadership is key, analyst says
By Haley Crum
One of the analysts who compiled rankings released Wednesday says an agency’s leadership most determines its ranking.

By Haley Crum  |  04:30 PM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 11/16/2011

More on the Best Places to Work (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
The Federal Eye shared results from this year’s Best Places to Work in the Federal Government survey with TV viewers this morning.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:00 PM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Video Report, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 11/16/2011

Postal Service resumes payments to federal retirement fund
By Ed O'Keefe
The U.S. Postal Service plans to resume payments to the defined-benefit portion of a federal worker retirement fund next month.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:30 AM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Postal Service, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/16/2011

Best Places to Work: Highlights from the 2011 rankings
By Ed O'Keefe
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more interesting trends in the survey of federal agencies.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2011

USAJobs snafu focus of House hearing
By Ed O'Keefe
A panel plans to probe whether the Office of Personnel Management is properly equipped to handle the needs of current and former feds.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 05:30 PM ET, 11/14/2011

Herman Cain supports collective bargaining for public employees
By Ed O'Keefe
He backs pay negotiations for public employees — so long as they don’t try breaking the bank.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:30 PM ET, 11/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 11/14/2011

Open enrollment: Time to ask questions about benefits
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal employees have several opportunities this week during open enrollment to get answers on FEHBP.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:20 AM ET, 11/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011

What do you think of OPM’s snow policy? Here are your answers.
By Ed O’Keefe
Here are your answers to our question of the week.

By Ed O’Keefe  |  10:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011

Veterans Day: How many veterans work for the federal government?
By Ed O'Keefe
The numbers may surprise you.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Military

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 11/10/2011

Report: IRS Austin plane crash handled appropriately
By Ed O'Keefe
A new watchdog report says the agency prepared for and responded well to the 2010 plane crash at its Austin office.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:40 PM ET, 11/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Oversight, Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 11/10/2011

Rick Perry comments irk foreign service officers
By Ed O'Keefe
Career State Department employees are not happy with the GOP candidate’s doubts about overseas diplomats.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:50 PM ET, 11/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011

Question of the week: New federal snow policy?
By Ed O'Keefe
Share your answers and we might use them later this week.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011

Bill would ban smoking at federal buildings
By Ed O'Keefe
It’s the latest attempt to smoke out smoking in and outside federal property.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/07/2011

The study driving GOP criticism of federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
A deeper look at the data Mitt Romney and other Republicans use to critique federal compensation.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 11/03/2011

Budget director: Stop beating up on federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe
Jack Lew says it’s too soon to know whether feds will endure another pay freeze in fiscal 2013.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:20 AM ET, 11/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 11/02/2011

New federal snow policy: Stay put (video)
By Ed O'Keefe
Details of what federal agencies will do when the snow falls.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:30 PM ET, 11/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Video Report

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/01/2011

Worker suing intelligence agency claims anti-Muslim bias
By Ed O'Keefe
An employee with one of the government’s most secretive agencies is suing, saying he lost security clearance because of his wife’s faith.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 10/28/2011

TSA to fire ‘Get your freak on girl’ screener
By Ed O'Keefe
The agency says the Newark-area employee will soon be out of a job.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:15 PM ET, 10/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:35 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Flags for federal workers bill revived
By Eric Yoder
The bill stalled amid objections from a prominent veterans organization.

By Eric Yoder  |  04:35 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Janet Napolitano: Hackers have ‘come close’ to major cyberattack
By Ed O'Keefe
Despite immigration, airport security and terrorism, the Homeland Security secretary says she spends a considerable amount of time on cybersecurity.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:30 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 10/26/2011

How much money is spent on federal workers?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
The Congressional Budget Office is out with a new estimate — and warns that cuts to the federal workforce could spell trouble.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  03:00 PM ET, 10/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 10/26/2011

National Park Service honors top ranger
By Ed O'Keefe
Her bosses say Lisa Hendy has mastered the skills needed to be a good park ranger.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:18 AM ET, 10/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 10/20/2011

Budget cuts at GAO may force furloughs
By Ed O'Keefe
With big budget cuts likely, workers at the nation’s best-known federal watchdog also won’t get new laptops as planned.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:20 AM ET, 10/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/19/2011

Is it time to update the Hatch Act?
By Ed O'Keefe
The new head of the Office of Special Counsel says the law barring political activity at federal offices is in need of a big update.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/18/2011

Justice Department lawyers irked by plans to close offices
By Ed O'Keefe
A plan to save $8 million by closing four regional offices could cause many career attorneys to quit.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/17/2011

Government charge card abuse could soon be history
By Ed O'Keefe
If passed, the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act might require regular credit checks of federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 05:25 PM ET, 10/14/2011

Senators call for extending federal pay freeze for third year
By Ed O'Keefe
The chair and ranking member on the Senate panel responsible for federal personnel says it’s necessary to help pay down the debt.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:25 PM ET, 10/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 10/13/2011

Panetta: Military retirement changes shouldn’t affect current troops
By Ed O'Keefe
The defense secretary says any future changes to the military retirement system will not affect those currently serving but that changes are likely.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:50 PM ET, 10/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Military, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/07/2011

What do federal employees think of their workplace?
By Ed O'Keefe
Search the results of a recent survey of federal employees to find out who’s the happiest.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 09/30/2011

EPA is shutting its doors ...
By Ed O'Keefe
The Environmental Protection Agency is shuttering three staff-only entrances at its Washington headquarters starting this weekend.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 09/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/29/2011

Harassment complaints on the rise on Capitol Hill
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report also faults Congress for exempting itself from key provisions of national workplace laws.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Oversight, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:01 PM ET, 09/28/2011

Census workers caught sleeping on the job
By Ed O'Keefe
The agency says it’s fielding several complaints of workers napping at its Maryland headquarters.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:01 PM ET, 09/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Census, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011

Payments to dead federal retirees over, agency says
By Ed O’Keefe and Lisa Rein
FEDERAL EYE | Office of Personnel Management says it’s vigorously working to recoup more improper payments.

By Ed O’Keefe and Lisa Rein  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Oversight

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 09/23/2011

Lawmakers offer bill to let federal employees donate unused sick leave
By Ed O'Keefe
While many agencies have leave banks, only one lets workers donate both annual vacation time and sick leave.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:20 AM ET, 09/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/23/2011

Dead federal retirees paid $120 million yearly, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
The federal government pays out millions of dollars to dead people each year — including deceased retired federal workers, according to a new report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011

Do Americans support cutting the federal payroll?
By Ed O'Keefe
Yes, some, but not all people do, according to a new poll.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 09/16/2011

Meet some award-winning feds (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
Hear and see some of the winners of this year's Service to America Medals.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:50 AM ET, 09/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Video Report

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/16/2011

Top-notch federal workers honored for their service
By Ed O'Keefe
You think federal workers don’t do anything important or cool? Think again.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 09/14/2011

Federal workers groups pledge to fight potential supercommittee cuts
By Joe Davidson
A coalition of 22 labor organizations is banding together in anticipation of potential cuts.

By Joe Davidson  |  03:30 PM ET, 09/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 09/12/2011

Where are most federal employees? Not in Washington
By Ed O'Keefe
Advocates for federal workers are reminding lawmakers that cuts to the federal payroll could have adverse economic affects inside and outside the Beltway.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:00 AM ET, 09/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 09/09/2011

Social Security offices to ban people who make threats
By Ed O'Keefe
The move is in response to growing threats against agency workers and federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:00 PM ET, 09/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/09/2011

Homeland Security sends a 9/11 thank you message to its workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The message includes the secretary, her two predecessors and several agency bosses.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:30 PM ET, 09/07/2011

Moran asks for meeting on Mark Center concerns
By Steve Vogel
The Northern Virginia Democrats wants a meeting with the Pentagon to discuss concerns that the new office building is vulnerable to a terrorist attack.

By Steve Vogel  |  05:30 PM ET, 09/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Military, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 09/07/2011

Mitt Romney’s jobs plan would cut federal workforce — but doesn’t explain how
By Ed O'Keefe
Mitt Romney’s “1-for-2” proposal would replace every two federal employees who either retire or quit government service with one new hire. But he doesn’t provide details.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:30 PM ET, 09/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 08:30 AM ET, 09/07/2011

Bill giving flags to families of federal workers killed in the line of duty appears poised to pass
By Ed O'Keefe
Amazingly — after years of acrimonious political debate and disagreement over the fate of federal workers — this legislation appears poised to pass.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:30 AM ET, 09/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 08/31/2011

In affidavits, Peace Corps volunteers tell stories of assault and frustration
By Ed O'Keefe
Newly released affidavits detail the stories of about 30 current and former volunteers who were sexually assaulted overseas.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:40 PM ET, 08/31/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  From The Pages of The Post, Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/30/2011

Federal recruitment, retention, relocation bonuses rose 22% in 2009
By Ed O'Keefe
“Recruitment, relocation and retention” bonuses topped $349 million in 2009, according to a new report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:50 PM ET, 08/28/2011

After Hurricane Irene, federal offices open Monday
By Ed O'Keefe
Hurricane Irene won't keep (most) federal workers from the office.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:50 PM ET, 08/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/26/2011

TSA to offer buyouts to workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The transportation agency is hoping to trim the payroll by offering incentives to 3,000 administrative personnel.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 08/25/2011

Labor Dept. okays earthquake-related absences
By Ed O'Keefe
The Labor Department won’t deduct leave time from employees who took time off Tuesday or Wednesday because of this week’s earthquake.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 08/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 08/24/2011

What should federal offices do if there’s another earthquake?
By Ed O'Keefe
The government has tips on how feds should handle earthquakes and other catastrophic disasters.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:50 PM ET, 08/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:25 AM ET, 08/24/2011

Earthquake prompts unscheduled federal leave, building closures
By Ed O'Keefe
A dozen major federal bulidings in the Washington area are closed Wednesday.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:25 AM ET, 08/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 07:15 AM ET, 08/24/2011

After earthquake, feds get variety of evacuation orders
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal agencies exercised a myriad of evacuation options, prompting some confusion and concern.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:15 AM ET, 08/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:30 AM ET, 08/18/2011

Taking Stock: Coverage comes with options
By Eric Yoder
Taking Stock series takes a look at insurance coverage offered to federal workers.

By Eric Yoder  |  06:30 AM ET, 08/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  The Federal Eye, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 07/26/2011

Proposals to cut retirement benefits
By Eric Yoder
In the debt ceiling debate, retirement benefits for federal workers are also on the chopping block.

By Eric Yoder  |  11:45 AM ET, 07/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/18/2011

What’s it like working in Iraq?
By Ed O'Keefe
Interested in working for the U.S. government in Iraq? Though the dangers are obvious, the pay and perks can be pretty good.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 07/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 07/12/2011

Hot under the collar at the Baghdad Embassy
By Ed O'Keefe
With temperatures rising outside, air conditioners inside the U.S. compound aren’t fully functioning due to a fuel shortage.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:00 AM ET, 07/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 07/04/2011

In Iraq on July 4, ‘rockets’ red glare’ has special meaning
By Ed O'Keefe
The thousands of U.S. diplomats and contractors stationed in Iraq are still at great risk.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:00 PM ET, 07/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 06/23/2011

TSO union vote results announced
By Joe Davidson

By Joe Davidson  |  09:15 AM ET, 06/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  unions, The Federal Eye, Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011

Percentage of minority federal workers up slightly
By Ed O'Keefe
But federal agencies are still employing a smaller percentage of Hispanics, according to a new government study.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 06/08/2011

A little more on teleworking
By Ed O'Keefe
Here’s a look at how federal workers are being informed of their teleworking status.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:10 PM ET, 06/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 02:57 PM ET, 06/07/2011

Report: 32 percent of federal employees telework
By Ed O’Keefe and Eric Yoder
Participation in work-from-home programs is up since President Obama signed legislation expanding its use six months ago.

By Ed O’Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  02:57 PM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 06/07/2011

Government Printing Office wants to offer buyouts to 330 workers
By Ed O'Keefe
With a declining need for paper copies of government anthologies, budgets, booklets and instruction manuals, the government’s printing shop is looking to scale back.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:48 PM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 06/07/2011

The GOP proposal to cut the federal workforce (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
The Federal Eye explains how House Republicans want to trim the federal workforce.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:39 AM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Video Report, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 06/07/2011

What do you think of GOP plans to cut workforce?
By Ed O'Keefe
You’ve seen our story about the Republican plans to cut the federal workforce, now we want to hear from you:

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:15 AM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011

Should underperforming federal workers get raises?
By Ed O'Keefe
We want to know what federal workers, their friends, families and employers — the American public — think of plans to cut off raises for poor-performing feds.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:21 PM ET, 06/06/2011

Lawmaker targets deductions for federal union dues
By Joe Davidson
Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) says he wants to empower federal employees by prohibiting the government from automatically deducting union dues from their paychecks.

By Joe Davidson  |  03:21 PM ET, 06/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 06/06/2011

House GOP unveils plan to cut federal workforce
By Ed O'Keefe
White House beancounters would have to keep close tabs on the number of federal employees on the government payroll if a Republican proposal to trim the federal workforce advances.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:35 PM ET, 06/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:32 PM ET, 05/26/2011

Shirley Sherrod contract talks with USDA turn rocky
By Krissah Thompson
The former department official said she was insulted by USDA’s initial offer to rejoin them on contract.

By Krissah Thompson  |  01:32 PM ET, 05/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Contracting, Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/26/2011

No more raises for poor-performing federal workers?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
Federal employees whose job performance is rated as unacceptable would not be eligible for annual pay raises under a House bill expected to pass Thursday.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 05/25/2011

The federal glass ceiling is cracked but not shattered, study says
By Lisa Rein
Women working in the federal government are no longer victims of overt discrimination, but they are still paid less than men in similar jobs and less likely to be supervisors, a new report says.

By Lisa Rein  |  10:30 AM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:00 AM ET, 05/25/2011

Union leaders blast Pawlenty, warn of depressed support for Obama amid pension talk
By Ed O'Keefe
They’re blasting the GOP presidential candidate over his call for freezing the salaries of federal workers and reducing the size of the workforce.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:00 AM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 05/20/2011

How many federal and postal workers can retire?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
The numbers may surprise you.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  05:00 AM ET, 05/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/18/2011

One year of federal hiring reforms: Is it any better?
By Ed O'Keefe
It's about a year since President Obama ordered changes, but have things improved?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Administration

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 05/17/2011

How might federal pensions be changed? (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
The Federal Eye explains how the White House and congressional leaders might alter the federal pension to help pay down the deficit.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:48 PM ET, 05/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Video Report

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 05/17/2011

Will federal pension proposal make public sector work less attractive?
By Ed O'Keefe
Close observers and rank-and-file federal workers think so.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:48 PM ET, 05/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  From The Pages of The Post, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:28 PM ET, 05/16/2011

Federal pensions targeted: What do you think?
By Ed O'Keefe
Will paying more for your federal pension affect you? Let us know!

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:28 PM ET, 05/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011

How federal worker pensions might be targeted
By Ed O'Keefe
After years of fighting for and against it, the White House and congressional negotiators are seriously discussing the possibility of forcing at least some federal employees to pay more towards their pension.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 05/13/2011

Federal worker who confronted Obama hears back from the White House (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
Karin Korpowski-Gallo says she’s set to meet soon with the White House personnel office.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:00 PM ET, 05/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Video Report

Posted at 05:55 PM ET, 05/12/2011

At town hall, federal worker losing her job confronts Obama
By Ed O'Keefe
A federal employee who is on the verge of losing her job confronted President Obama about her status during a CBS News town hall meeting broadcast Thursday morning.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:55 PM ET, 05/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 03:55 PM ET, 05/11/2011

Air traffic controllers defend themselves on YouTube
By Ed O'Keefe
The nation’s largest air traffic controller union is turning to a reliable tool to rehabilitate its image: YouTube.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:55 PM ET, 05/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:54 AM ET, 05/03/2011

Michelle Obama, Cabinet thank federal workers for their service
By Ed O'Keefe
Special “attaboy” messages for the rank and file come during National Public Service Recognition Week.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:54 AM ET, 05/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Administration

Posted at 10:11 AM ET, 04/29/2011

Space Coast copes with end of shuttle program (Video)
By Ed O'Keefe
As President Obama prepares to visit the Kennedy Space Center, thousands are preparing to lose their jobs.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:11 AM ET, 04/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/29/2011

Senior federal officials honored for years of service
By Ed O'Keefe
Winners of the nation’s most prestigious civil service award have argued 80 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and sunk an aircraft carrier, among other achievements.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/26/2011

Royal Wedding means a day off for U.S. diplomats
By Ed O'Keefe
Most American diplomats stationed at the U.S. Embassy in London and consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh are enjoying a shorter work week in observance of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/25/2011

How quickly are federal agencies hiring? We’ll know soon.
By Ed O'Keefe
The Obama administration is asking agencies and departments to issue quarterly progress reports on efforts to accelerate the federal hiring process.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 04/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:27 AM ET, 04/21/2011

No campaign pics of Obama allowed in federal offices
By Ed O'Keefe
With the 2012 presidential race heating up, federal workers are being reminded to keep campaign paraphernalia out of the office.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:27 AM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 04/21/2011

Federal charitable giving down slightly
By Ed O'Keefe
In the wake of a slumping economy, a government-wide charitable giving campaign fell just short last year of matching records set in 2009.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  09:35 AM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 04/19/2011

Meet the union bosses trying to woo TSA agents
By Ed O'Keefe
Today is the last day for Transportation Security Administration workers to vote on whether they want a union to represent them.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:14 PM ET, 04/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  From The Pages of The Post, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 04/18/2011

Issa: 2012 budget cuts $375B in federal workforce costs
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal workers dodged several bullets in the 2011 budget finally passed last week, but a top House Republican says that the GOP’s 2012 budget would cut about $375 billion in federal workforce costs.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:39 AM ET, 04/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 04/15/2011

Obama speaks candidly about federal workers, technology
By Ed O'Keefe
President Obama candidly critiqued the performance of rank-and-file federal employees and bemoaned the government’s arcane technology during what he thought was a private conversation Thursday evening with donors.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:27 AM ET, 04/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Workplace Issues

Posted at 07:30 AM ET, 04/15/2011

Bill cracks down on government charge card abuse
By Ed O'Keefe
Senators are one step closer to passing a bill that would crack down on abuse of government-issued charge cards and travel cards.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:30 AM ET, 04/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 04/14/2011

Top USDA official, leaving to work for Rahm Emanuel, accused of discrimination
By Ed O'Keefe
The Agriculture Department’s outgoing communications chief is accused of age and other discrimination

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:09 PM ET, 04/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 04/13/2011

House panel to consider bills on federal pay, taxes and tenure
By Ed O'Keefe
The House panel overseeing the federal workforce is set to vote on a series of measures that federal worker union leaders believe unfairly target the rank and file

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:36 PM ET, 04/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 04/12/2011

Budget agreement targets funds for employees, agency expenses
By Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder
Emerging details of the 2011 budget agreement show overall salary levels will decline, at least in certain agencies.

By Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder  |  11:27 AM ET, 04/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 04:01 PM ET, 04/11/2011

Obama thanks federal employees for ‘patience and professionalism’ during government shutdown drama
By Ed O'Keefe and Lisa Rein
Talk about an inter-office memo! The commander in chief thanks the rank and file for enduring the craziness of the past few weeks.

By Ed O'Keefe and Lisa Rein  |  04:01 PM ET, 04/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Government Shutdown, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 04/11/2011

Senators reintroduce federal building security bill
By Ed O'Keefe
Senators are pushing once again to reform the beleaguered Federal Protective Service, the tiny agency responsible for security at federal facilities.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:09 PM ET, 04/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 01:23 PM ET, 04/08/2011

Government shutdown: Cuts in federal pay and benefits targeted as part of budget compromise, sources say
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
Negotiators might agree to $1.3 billion in savings by cutting the pay of at least some federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  01:23 PM ET, 04/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Government Shutdown, Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/08/2011

Government shutdown: Federal workers look for answers at ‘emergency’ town hall
By Ed O'Keefe
They vented their frustrations and sought answers about what to expect.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:00 AM ET, 04/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Government Shutdown, From The Pages of The Post, Workplace Issues

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 04/05/2011

GOP budget plan freezes federal pay through 2015
By Eric Yoder and Ed O’Keefe
It would also cut the federal workforce by 10 percent, and requires employees to pay more toward their retirement benefits.

By Eric Yoder and Ed O’Keefe  |  03:09 PM ET, 04/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 03/29/2011

Obama asks federal workers for reorganization ideas
By Ed O'Keefe
In a video message, President Obama says any and all ideas will be critical to revamping the government.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:13 PM ET, 03/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2011

Some per diem rates for feds going up
By Ed O'Keefe
Starting next month the federal government is planning to pay more for federal employees traveling to New York City, San Francisco and other sites on official business.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 03/22/2011

FBI probing package with explosives left at Detroit federal building for 3 weeks
By Ed O'Keefe and Jerry Markon
The FBI is investigating a suspicious package containing explosives left unattended by security guards for three weeks inside a 26-story federal building in Detroit, according to law enforcement officials.

By Ed O'Keefe and Jerry Markon  |  06:20 PM ET, 03/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2011

Federal workers asked for government reorganization ideas
By Ed O'Keefe
This time the White House is asking for tips on how to reorganize the government.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 03/15/2011

Budget impasse means less paid overtime for some feds
By Ed O'Keefe

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:14 PM ET, 03/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Government Shutdown, Budget, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Postal Service, largest union reach new 4 1/2 year deal
By Ed O'Keefe
The U.S. Postal Service and one of its largest labor unions have reached a new 4 1/2-year deal that would give pay raises to about 205,000 postal workers, but force them to pay more for health insurance.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:41 PM ET, 03/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Postal Service, The Federal Eye, The Federal Eye, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Government doctor could be fired for politicking
By Ed O'Keefe
A federal personnel panel has ordered the removal of a Department of Veterans Affairs doctor for engaging in political activities while on the job at an Arizona hospital.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:20 PM ET, 03/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Oversight

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011

Government ending telework center funding
By Ed O'Keefe
Despite a new law allowing federal employees to work from home or other sites outside the office, about a dozen telework sites across the Washington region are losing federal funding.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 02:34 PM ET, 02/28/2011

No, Obama isn't calling for a three-year pay freeze
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal workers, have no fear: President Obama is not calling for a three-year pay freeze, as some feared over the weekend.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  02:34 PM ET, 02/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Workplace Issues