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.

People

DOD issues permission slips for workers in national capital region

The Defense Department issued memos and permission letters for personnel working in the Washington, D.C. region as local and state governments' stay-at-home orders go into effect.

People

Let's call Dr. Fauci by his proper title -- public servant

Steve Kelman argues that Americans need to understand the essential contributions civil servants make to our society's mix.

Modernization

Telework tests await networks, federal agencies

As more agencies are forced to move employees to telework, some will face initial growing pains.

Cybersecurity

CISA stress tests DHS telework capacity

Not every agency will be ready to flip the switch from F2F to WFH, according to experts and former officials.

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.

People

Cox resigns as AFGE president amid controversy

J. David Cox, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, resigned while under suspension for allegations of misconduct.

People

Congresswoman asks Dem presidential candidates to address federal workforce

As public sector job satisfaction dips, Rep. Wexton wants the 2020 White House hopefuls to restore faith in civil service.

People

Esper says he didn't seek the authority to gut DOD unions

Defense Secretary Mark Esper told lawmakers he was waiting for a staff analysis of a recent presidential memo before deciding whether to leverage new authority.

People

Oversight chair reignites probe into controversial Trump aide

Security clearance concerns are raised after Trump rehires ousted aide for key personnel job

Cybersecurity

Despite improvement, Thrift Board infosec needs work

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board still has not "fully developed and implemented an effective, organization-wide information security program."

Cybersecurity

Congressman floats 'FITARA-like' scorecard to measure security clearance process

A significant reduction in the backlog of security clearance investigations over the past two years has contractors feeling more optimistic, but concerns about lengthy adjudications and reciprocity between federal agencies still linger.

People

New delegated authority could sink DOD unions

One union attorney told FCW that the new policy could have the effect of suddenly ending collective bargaining agreements.

People

Trump administration advances policy that could block DOD unions

The delegation of authority is the first step in a plan that could lead to the elimination of unions at civilian defense agencies.

People

Federal employee unions still quiet on endorsements

Public-sector unions are taking a wait-and-see approach after early endorsements in the 2016 cycle.

Cybersecurity

Air Force touts Digital U tech reskilling effort

Micro-credentialing and new data projects are being used to reward airmen, the Air Force's deputy CIO says.

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

IRS wants $300 million for IT modernization in 2021

The agency is planning IT modernization and security initiatives while also adding more than 100 new special agents focused on cybercrime and virtual currencies.