Hoyer Advocates for a Four-Day Work Week

"The report shows that in FY 2007, federal employees and applicants filed 16,363 complaints alleging employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability and reprisal -- down from 16,723 complaints in FY 2006 and 18,000 complaints in FY 2005," according to an EEOC statement.

During the past decade, Latinos, African Americans and Asians in the federal government have slightly increased, but the number of people with disabilities has declined.

More information is available at http://www.eeoc.gov.

Air Traffic Controllers' Pay

Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) have introduced legislation that would reverse work rules and pay rates imposed on air traffic controllers two years ago by the Bush administration.

The imposed rates cut controller income, leading many to quit or retire.

"The administration's heavy-handed tactics have forced experienced air traffic controllers out the door in record numbers," Lautenberg said. "It's time we treat these workers with the respect they deserve."

Per Diem Rates to Rise

If you're a federal employee who has the option of taking a business trip at the end of September or early in October, later might be better.

The General Services Administration has announced new per diem rates for federal employees. The rates, which take effect Oct. 1, are almost 4 percent higher than those for the current fiscal year.

The average individual per diem rate for fiscal year 2009 will be $165, up from $158 this year. The rates cover lodging (excluding taxes), meals and incidental expenses.

Don't despair if no hotel can be found at the listed rates. "If lodging is not available at your temporary duty location, your agency may authorize or approve the maximum per diem rate of up to 300 percent of per diem for the location where lodging is obtained," according to the Federal Travel Regulation.

Detailed information about per diem rates can be found at http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem.

Contact Joe Davidson atfederaldiary@washpost.com.