Coalition urges Congress not to penalize feds to pay for payroll tax extension

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

A large coalition of federal employee groups last week sent letters to members of Congress assigned to work on a further extension of the payroll tax cut, urging them not to pay for the cut by reducing federal pay and benefits.

Fifty years ago today, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order opening the door for 2 million federal employees to join unions. His action set the stage for expanding these rights under Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter-a bipartisan recognition that federal employees should have a voice on the job.

"Insufficient" Pay Increase Proposed for Federal Workers

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

White House proposal to end pay freeze draws mixed reactions

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Federal employee groups had mixed reactions to the news Friday that President Obama will propose a pay increase for federal employees in his fiscal 2013 budget.

The proposed 0.5% pay raise for federal civilian employees that is set to be included in the 2013 White House budget proposal has got a lot of people talking. Here's a compilation of some of the reactions to the proposal.
AFSCME International sent a letter this week to the House and Senate leadership urging them to take action to keep the transit subsidy cap at $230 per month. Without...

Groups urge House to reject proposals reducing federal pay and benefits

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

A group of federal employee advocates on Wednesday implored House leadership to

REMARKS ON THE RETIREMENT OF AFSCME PRESIDENT JERRY MCENTEE

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once called the organized labor movement, "the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress."

And for three decades, Jerry McEntee has been a leader in the quest for that progress.

He has fought for a better life for American workers.

COALITION OF 22 FEDERAL UNIONS ISSUES STATEMENT ON PROPOSALS TARGETING PAY FREEZE, WORKFORCE CUTS

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

"The members of the FWA are concerned with recent proposals to finance the extension of the payroll tax cut through an extended federal pay freeze and ten percent reduction in federal jobs. Federal employees are already sacrificing immensely with a two-year freeze on their pay and shoe string agency budgets. Such measures would have a great impact on the ability of the federal government to deliver key services to the American people. Furthermore, the...

Federal Union Workers Join Occupy Protesters

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CDT

"Most federal employees consider themselves to be part of the 99 percent," Saul Schniderman, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Library of Congress Guild told the Washington Post last Thursday at the big "Tax Wall Street" rally.

Donating to Occupy DC

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CDT

It was bright and sunny Wednesday when AFSCME Council 26's Carl Goldman (pictured at left) and Fern Finley stopped by Occupy DC to drop off 100 AFSCME rain slickers, but occupier Justin Rodriguez was happy to accept them.

Group representing millions of feds urges supercommittee not to penalize federal workforce

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A coalition representing 4.6 million federal and postal workers and annuitants has sent a letter to the deficit reduction supercommittee urging the panel to reject proposals that would put further strains on the federal workforce.

Several top unions Tuesday threw their support behind protests on Wall Street and across the nation demanding U.S. social and economic policy change.

The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, the Communications Workers of America and the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union all issued statements supporting the Occupy Wall Street Movement.

Furloughed FAA Workers to Get Back Pay

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The Federal-Postal Coalition, which includes AFSCME, sent a letter to the Super Committee members urging them to reject proposals that would have an inequitable impact on federal...

Unions urge lawmakers to pass multi-year FAA funding measure

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A host of aviation industry-related unions urged Congress on Monday to pass a long-term funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Congress narrowly avoided a second shutdown of the FAA in as many months earlier in September when it passed a bill to extend the beleaguered agency's funding through January of next year.

What 'The Washington Post' Doesn't Understand About the Looming Government Shutdown

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

One of the biggest problems of reporting on our dysfunctional politics has been the reflexive tendency in "mainstream" media to balance, via what is increasingly false equivalence. A glaring example was a

House votes to keep government open through Nov. 18

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The House voted early Friday 219-203 to pass a continuing resolution that funds the government through Nov. 18, setting up a battle with the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Shutdown a Step Closer as Senate Kills House Bill

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The Senate voted Friday morning to reject the House's stopgap spending bill, less than twelve hours after the House's Republican leaders had forced it through on their second try.

House Republican leaders suffered a surprising setback on Wednesday when the House rejected their version of a stopgap spending bill, leaving unclear how Congress will provide money to keep the government open after Sept. 30 and aid...

House May Still Try to Pass a Continuing Resolution

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The House is currently debating the Rule for H.R. 2401 - The Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act of 2011. ...

Reid warns shutdown is possible

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) warned Tuesday there is a chance that the government could shutter by the end of this month.  

Deficit reduction pain for federal employees could be worse, some say

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

It could be worse.

President Obama is set to unveil his deficit reduction plan Monday, and federal employee groups are urging him not to target government workers' pay and benefits in his proposal.

Feds would contribute more to pensions under Obama's deficit plan

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

President Obama on Monday released a

The Senate on Thursday evening passed legislation that extends funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, narrowly averting a second partial agency shutdown.

Senator Coburn (R-OK) is single handedly holding up the bill that will extend aviation and surface transportation programs. The deadline for the FAA extension is Friday at midnight. Unless Senator Coburn gives in, the FAA will go into partial shutdown again this weekend. AFSCME, NATCA and PASS lobbyists are working feverishly to stop this from happening.

Senator Coburn wants to add a surface...

Alliance pledges to defend federal workforce from 'irresponsible cuts'

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A coalition of 22 labor organizations representing federal employees is pledging "to defend the federal workforce from irresponsible cuts in the forthcoming congressional 'super committee' negotiations."

The Federal Workers Alliance (FWA) says it represents more than 300,000 workers who, along with the entire workforce, face "a...

Government spends billions more hiring contractors over public workers

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On Labor Day, E.J. Dionne published a

Conservatives May Seize on Airport Funding Once Again

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

August employment report shows that the public sector got hit hard again - losing...

America's Future is at Stake this Labor Day

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Amid growing tension between the labor movement and the Obama administration, AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka said Thursday that labor was starting to build its own political structures "that work for the people" - and that as a result, "You're going to see us give less money to build structures for others."

The Library of Congress and three of its unions have agreed to offer targeted buyouts and early outs to employees in September, according to a

Agencies turn to buyouts in tough budget environment

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Federal agencies increasingly are turning to buyouts and early retirement incentives as a way to save money and avoid potential layoffs or furloughs in the face of steep budget cuts in fiscal...

'Supercommittee' has thin record on federal employee issues

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On issues of direct importance to federal employees and retirees, the records of the

Message is key in pay and benefits fight

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

For this week's issue, FEND's Nathan Abse interviewed Carl Goldman, an officer with a union not usually associated with representing federal employees-the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Goldman is executive director of AFSCME Council 26, a coalition of 18 federal local unions, primarily in the Washington, D.C., area. In our conversation, Goldman...

GOP lawmaker will introduce back pay bill for FAA workers

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., will introduce legislation Tuesday that would authorize back pay for the thousands of employees furloughed at the Federal Aviation Administration, his office...

FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Gail Orendorff-Weiner

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Gail Orendorff-Weiner appeared on the Channel 7 local news on Friday, August 5, 2011. The quality of the video leaves something to be desired and you have to first watch a commercial, but it is worth viewing.

Obama signs temporary FAA extension; furloughed workers to return Monday

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT
President Obama signed a temporary funding extension for the Federal...

FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Lockett Yee and AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman were featured on News channel 8

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT
FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Lockett Yee and AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman were featured on News channel 8

FAA employees could return to work next week

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

With little hope for a legislative solution to extend the Federal Aviation Administration's funding authority before Congress returns from recess, nearly 4,000 agency employees could be without pay...

Statement of AFSCME Pres. McEntee on the Congressional Deal Reached to Fund the FAA:

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT
"I applaud Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for his leadership in bringing the Federal Aviation Administration funding stalemate to an end and putting 74,000 federal and construction employees back to work. In these difficult economic times, it is jobs and not political gamesmanship that Americans truly value."

: FAA Shutdown Continues as Politicians Play Games

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Enough is Enough!

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The implications of a partial shutdown at the Federal Aviation Administration were unclear Monday, with nearly 4,000 employees on furlough indefinitely, without the promise of back pay and Congress...

4,000 FAA Workers Furloughed

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Try as they might, lawmakers still have no deal on raising the federal debt ceiling. What if it...

Unions 'haven't heard a thing' on debt limit

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Federal employee unions have been fighting to wrest information from the government about the potential impact of a government default on federal employees. If Congress and the White House can't come to an agreement to raise the debt limit by Aug. 2, the administration contends that a number of federal programs and services could be...

Federal workers: How would default affect us?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A coalition of federal employee organizations wants the administration to clarify the impact a...

Groups urge leaders to reject proposals aimed at federal workforce

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

With less than a month to go before the government begins to default on its obligations, federal employee groups continue to urge congressional leaders and the White House to reject proposals...

Letters to President and Congress reject proposals that attack federal workforce

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Please click the links below to read letters sent by the Federal-Postal Coalition, which AFSCME is a part of, asking leaders to reject proposals attacking the federal workforce, particularly the move to raise worker contributions to our retirement system. Letters were sent by the coalition to Senate and House Leaders...

800,000 Federal Workers Could Be Furloughed If Debt Ceiling Isn't Raised

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Debt ceiling debate threatens federal pay and benefits

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Failure to raise the government's debt ceiling could lead to cuts in pay and benefits for federal civilian employees, military members and veterans, according to a new analysis.

Unions call on Biden to take federal pensions off the table

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Unions representing government employees sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden imploring him to resist a call to require federal employees to contribute more to their pensions as part of any broader remedy for the nation's financial ills. The unions wrote to Biden in his role as...

Unions send letter to Vice-President Biden

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Seventeen unions representing federal workers, including AFSCME, have sent a letter to Vice-President Biden who is currently negotiating a deal on the debt ceiling with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The unions have heard that the group is very close to an agreement that would significantly increase what federal employees pay for their pensions...

Unions urge administration to protect FERS pensions

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Federal employee unions are asking the Obama administration to reconsider proposed changes to government retirement benefit plans.
Labor Night at the Nationals is scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2011. It is being held to benefit the Emergency Assistance Fund of the Community Services Agency AFL-CIO which helps union members in crises. The Fund is dangerously low due to the economic crisis and needs an influx of money. Tickets are $10 each; order 50 or more to get your local's name on the big screen. The first union to purchase 1000 tickets gets to throw out the first pitch. A flyer is...

Senator Mikulski Objects to Use of Federal Employees' Pension Funds in Debt Reduction Negotiations

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner urging him to take federal employees' pension funds off of the...

REPUBLICANS LAUNCH ATTACK ON "OFFICIAL TIME" FOR UNION ACTIVITY

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Bill targets union dues deductions

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

House Republicans want to ban federal employees from engaging in official union activities while on duty, saying so-called "official time" is a bad deal for taxpayers.
The Office of Personnel Management said employees spent nearly 3 million hours on union activities during fiscal 2009 at a cost of more than $129...

A large group organizations, including AFSCME, sent Congress a letter with a common sense proposal to reduce the deficit

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

"The undersigned organizations urge Congress to reduce corporate tax subsidies, and use the savings to help address our long-term budget deficit and protect public investments." To read the full letter, click...

Biden sees $1 trillion in cuts emerging from debt-ceiling talks

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Trumka: Working People Want a Strong, Independent Labor Movement

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

In a major address at the National Press Club today, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka charted an aggressive independent approach by working people and their unions to build the power of working people in the workplace and in the political...

AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia Senators

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On May 19, 2011 AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia Senators which stated: "(w)e are specifically concerned about the House Budget Resolution's plan for freezing federal employee pay for five years, cutting the workforce by ten percent and requiring federal employees to significantly increase their contributions to the Civil...

Federal-Postal Coalition, which AFSCME is part, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On May 19, 2011 the Federal-Postal Alliance, which AFSCME is part, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, which stated: "(as) the federal government hits the debt ceiling and the Treasury Department proceeds to suspend additional investments of funds associated with the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the G-Fund of the...

AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to the Washington, DC-area House of Representatives delegation

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On May 18, 2011 AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to the Washington, DC-area House of Representatives delegation which stated: " �we urge you to reject proposals that would increase federal employees' contributions to their retirement system that are being discussed as part of debt limit negotiations. We have heard reports that members of both parties have agreed to this...

AFSCME Statement on Proposals that Attack Federal Employee Income and Retirement Benefits

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Treasury taps federal pensions as Uncle Sam hits debt ceiling

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The Treasury Department on Monday suspended investments into federal employees' pensions, as the government officially hit its debt ceiling of $14.3 trillion.
A coalition of 22 federal employee groups sent a letter to Senate leaders May 12 asking them to reject provisions in the House budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 34) that would extend the federal pay freeze and downsize the government workforce.
Remember to leave your bags of non-perishable food by your mail boxes this Saturday as letter carriers conduct their annual food drive. "In every corner of this country, there are people and families who are hungry, including children," says National Association of Letter Carriers President Fredric Rolando, who emphasizes that there has never been a...

Reid To Boehner: If You Want $2 Trillion In Cuts, Start With Oil And Gas Tax Breaks

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) introduced legislation on May 5 that would freeze most federal hiring until the federal deficit is...

A Day in the Life Without Public Employees

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT
Imagine one day you woke up and there were no sanitation workers to pick up the pile of stuff in your trash. No letter carriers or postal workers to move your mail. No teachers in the classrooms, no firefighters to stop your neighbor's house-or yours-from burning to the ground.

AFSCME Sanitation Workers Honored at White House, Join "Labor Hall of Fame"

Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The 1,300 sanitation workers who participated in the historic
Federal workers likely would feel the effects of a government shutdown more acutely than they would the repercussions of exceeding the debt limit.
Last week the Federal-Postal Alliance, which AFSCME is a part of, sent a letter to all Members of the House of Representatives urging them to vote against Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's proposed Fiscal...

The Martin E. Gerel Memorial Scholarship 2011-2012

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The law firm of Ashcraft & Gerel, LLP has always valued their connection with Washington, DC Union Movement. In recognition of this special relationship, the firm more than 25 years ago established a Union Scholarship Program. We are pleased to...

Congress passes bill funding government through September

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The Senate, acting shortly after the House, voted 81 to 19 to pass a continuing resolution funding the federal government through the end of September, effectively ending a months-long fight that...

No Shutdown, But a Lot of Sellouts

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Picketlines and rallies by government workers in DC and across the country today were called off after Friday night's last-minute budget deal averted a threatened shutdown of the...

One week CR cuts $2 billion

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The House and

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Democrats and Republican in Congress have essentially agreed on...

Members to Limit Staff Furloughs

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Facing a looming federal shutdown and significant pay cuts, federal workers and Montgomery County employees are urging area activists to take action immediately. "AFSCME Council 26 and other federal workers' unions are fighting to stop hundreds of thousands of...

Obama and Boehner clash over budget negotiations

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Taking questions from the White House press corp Tuesday, President Barack Obama said that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner will meet at 4 p.m. ET to discuss the budget and the looming government shutdown. If they can't reach an...

Council 26 Sends Letters Concerning Budget Negotiations to Senate.

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT
Last week AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman sent letters concerning the current budget negotiations to Senators Mikulski (D-MD), Cardin (D-MD), Webb (D-VA)...

DeMint Wants to Ban All Collective Bargaining for Federal Employees

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The defining political story three months into 2011 is the spread of

CAPITOL GIFT SHOP WORKERS VOTE UNION

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT
Workers at the U.S. Capitol Gift Shop overwhelmingly v

Gas prices are up $1.13 per gallon since the summer of 2007. Agencies are struggling to inculcate cultures of performance. Hackers and employee carelessness have made information technology security a major concern. A new generation of federal recruits wants workplace flexibility. Labor and management find it hard to agree...

Time Is Not On Your Side!

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Looking forward to a pay raise?

Would you like to be reimbursed for what is now use-it-or-lose-it sick leave?

If the answer is yes to either or both, the news is good. Congress is on a roll. Up to a point!

First, the good news:

Performance Pay: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

I once worked for an outfit that decided it needed a pay-for-performance plan.

Prior to the change, we all got the same percentage pay raise each year. Obviously that meant that higher paid people got bigger pay raises, but hey, that's life! We all got the same percentage which, we thought in our ignorance, was all that mattered. People could and did make side...

AFSCME Goes Green

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The nation's largest public service union to dramatically reduce paper use, forego bottled water, and serve local, organically grown food during Convention beginning July 28.

Investor Education for Working Families

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Did you know that AFSCME offers a free Investor Education Program? The Investor Education for Working Families workshops provide bias-free personal investment learning opportunities through self-paced online classes and resource materials specially designed for...

Can't-Do Government

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT
We've seen the federal government at its worst over the past six months. Consider the controversies over contaminated tomatoes and meat, tainted toys, toxic trailers, counterfeit Heparin, aircraft groundings, veterans' care, missing warheads and unrelenting contract fraud. For every NASA success on the surface of Mars, there seems to be a failure back on Earth.

House passes paid parental leave bill

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT
The House on Thursday passed legislation that would institute a paid parental leave policy for all federal employees. The House voted 278-146 to pass H.R. 5781, which would provide four weeks of paid maternal or paternal leave for the birth or adoption of a child. It would, for the first time, let new parents use their accrued sick leave for an additional eight weeks of paid leave.

Congress pursues dual paths on contracting oversight

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Although their goals remain relatively similar, House and Senate lawmakers appear to be following noticeably different paths toward implementing a series of much debated contracting reform bills.

Sick-Leave Abuse Prompts Calls to Compensate for Unused Time

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT

At the Internal Revenue ServiceThe House passed three pieces of contracting legislation on Wednesday aimed at increasing transparency in contracting and avoiding waste, fraud and abuse.

Government can lead on telework

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The federal government has an opportunity to take the lead in promoting telework, but hurdles remain, Rep.

Family-Leave Plan Is Halved

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

A proposal to provide eight weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees was cut to four weeks by a key House Democrat yesterday as Republicans expressed concerns about the benefit's cost.

Still, Rep. Henry A....

House Passes Bill to Open its Gym to all Federal Employees

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

...a resolution to grant all federal employees, including members of the military, access to the House exercise facility also passed the House unanimously.
The gym, open for a little...

House passes bill to prevent tax cheats from winning contracts

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Today millions of procrastinating Americans will rush to their local post office to make sure they file their tax returns on time. For contractors interested in doing business with the federal government, missing this year's deadline may be particularly...

Child of AFSCME Council 26 Leader Wins Scholarship

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Katherine Porzel, the daughter of Walt Porzel, Council 26 Secretary and Local 3925 President (U.S. Department of Agriculture), won an AFSCME Family Scholarship for $2000 per year for four years of college. Ms. Porzel was one of thirteen winners out of approximately 600 applicants. She is currently a senior at

AFSCME and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

When Norman Daniels started out with AT&T in 1974, he faced unequal treatment and prejudice because he was black....

Visit the AFSCME Store

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT
Martin Luther King Jr. shirts, posters and more are available from the AFSCME Store.

Top Jobs in Government Increasingly Filled From Outside

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT

For decades, the government has hired at lower grade levels and encouraged employees to work their way to the top. But a study released yesterday suggested that agencies are increasingly turning to job seekers from outside the government to fill upper-level jobs.

House Republicans are hoping to strip a controversial provision from a Democratic procurement oversight bill that could allow large federal contractors to be targeted for suspension or debarment based on the actions of a select few employees, according to a congressional aide who specializes in contracting measures.

Supermarket Worker Support Campaign Off to Good Start

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Well over 100 activists have already signed up to support local supermarket workers in their fight for a fair contract. Many are downloading pocket-sized worker support cards to give to their neighborhood checkout clerks, while others will be delivering solidarity cards to local store managers or helping organize leafleting actions outside their neighborhood Giant or Safeway....

Government Reform panel passes contractor database bill

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT

A bill to set up a public database on federal contractor performance and misconduct won approval Thursday from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee despite Republican concerns the measure could allow unfair attacks on contractors as well as end up barring large companies from receiving government contracts.

A Plea for Paid Parental Leave

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

Last summer, Amy S. Costantino...

Federal Pay Caught Up in Fiscal 2009 Budget Debates

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

It's the start of budget season on Capitol Hill.

Moran set to propose FERS sick leave reimbursement

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

Rep. James Moran, D-Va., plans to introduce a bill March 10 that would compensate more retiring federal employees for a portion of...

Come Together: In Solidarity

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

DHS Workers Beat Unionbusting

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

Workers at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) won a five-and-a-half-year battle against unionbusting last Friday when DHS officials dropped demands to implement a new personnel system that would have curbed union rights, reported Stephen Barr in Wednesday's Washington...

Readers Favor Retaining Time-in-Grade Restrictions for Promotions

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

In a recent...

MD Home Care Providers Vote for AFSCME

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

PROVIDERS TOGETHER '" Maryland home care providers voted overwhelmingly in February to organize a union with AFSCME.

Stay the Equal Course on Raises, They Tell Bush

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

The push-and-pull over the 2009 federal pay raise is underway.

Ten Washington area House members, led by

Library Workers Win

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

A yearlong battle to protect workers rights and stop unionbusting at the Library of Congress (LOC) ended with a major victory for workers Wednesday, reports the LOC Professional Guild, AFSCME Local 2910 website. "This dispute had broad...

Union Movement Donation and Dedication Ceremony for Memphis '"Area Students

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

On Thursday, Jan. 17, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President Gerald W. McEntee will join children at Hollywood Head Start to announce a number of donations to Memphis-area children. The donations include a computer lab and dozens of computers as well as $15,000 and school supplies....

Martin Luther King, Presente!

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

If you can't make it to Memphis this weekend, Martin Luther King is just a click '" or short subway ride '" away:

Four brief video clips featuring the civil rights leader are now available online from the AFL-CIO. Included are a 10-minute version of '�I...

Court Battle Continues Over Defense Union's Bargaining Rights

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

Just as it appeared the Ping-Pong battle between the Defense Department and its largest union was ending, the union has stepped up to the table for one last serve.

General Schedule Increase and Locality Salary Scale

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

Salary Table 2008

Area Federal Workers Get 4.49% Raise

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

President Bush signed an executive order yesterday that provides pay raises this year for federal employees, military personnel, Cabinet officers and members of Congress.

The order covers about 336,000 federal employees in the Washington-Baltimore region. Workers will receive a 4.49 percent increase under a salary formula that gives higher adjustments to certain...

Promises Tracked

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

The Democratic candidates for president are taking aim at federal contracting, which they describe as shoddy and corrupt. The Republican candidates also have ideas about how to fix the bureaucracy and restore trust in

Compromise On Pentagon Pay System, Union Rights

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

It's a compromise aimed at ending four years of controversy.

House-Senate negotiators unveiled legislation Friday that would restore collective bargaining rights to unions at the

Pay System Causing Turbulence at the FAA

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

Employees at the Federal Aviation Administration have been operating under a performance-based pay system for the last decade. Some still don't like it.

President issues plan to limit pay raise to 3 percent next year

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

President Bush moved Wednesday to limit the locality-based increase for white-collar federal civilian employees to 0.5 percent next year, bringing the total overall increase to an average of 3 percent.

Senate Committee Joins House in Approving Expanded Telecommuting

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

A Senate committee this week approved a bill that would make it possible for more federal employees to become telecommuters, acting a week after supporters of at-home work introduced similar legislation in the House.

Concerned that too few federal employees are getting plugged into telecommuting, House Democrats are drafting legislation that would encourage agencies to allow eligible employees to telework four days a month, on average.

Reps....

In Voting Section, Charges of Discrimination Persist

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

When John Tanner, the chief of the Justice Department's voting rights section, goes before Congress tomorrow, he'll have a lot to answer for.

In Voting Section, Charges of Discrimination Persist

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

When John Tanner, the chief of the Justice Department's voting rights section, goes before Congress tomorrow, he'll have a lot to...

Benefits Guide Helps Decode Alphabet Soup

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The annual open-enrollment season for federal employees is on its way, loaded with insurance industry argot and acronym-laden programs.

Save My Home Hotline Set Up for Union Members

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Many homeowners have adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs)'"but nearly half who have them admit they do not know how their ARMs adjust or reset, and nearly three-quarters do not know how much their monthly mortgage payments will increase when they do, a new national survey reveals.

Contracting Out Update

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Federal Unions and our allies on Capitol Hill have been working hard to level the playing field in public-private competitions. This is the status of these efforts to date:

A Little Lower

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CDT

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how to decide whether to retire from federal service to work in the private sector or continue in your federal career. Several readers commented about the salary rates I used in the examples, saying they'd like to see how scenarios would work out for employees who don't earn executive-level pay. Others had some questions about computations of Social Security benefits discussed...

Workers Joining AFL-CIO Unions at Highest Rate in Two Generations

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The highest priority of the union movement is to help more workers join unions and, in doing so, to open the doors for millions of Americans to enjoy the benefits of union membership. Despite the incessant anti-union efforts of the Bush administration and employers, the union movement is growing.

Defense Begins Transition to Merit-Based Pay

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The Pentagon is taking its first big step to break away from the government's primary pay system, sending a strong signal to Defense Department civilian...

Congress approves student loan forgiveness for public servants

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Legislation that would provide student loan forgiveness for federal employees after 10 years of service will now move to President Bush's desk.

Labor in Fighting Trim

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The American labor movement is divided on which candidate to support for president. Its membership is at one of its low ebbs in our history. And yet the nation's unions are more politically influential today than they were in the movement's heyday in the 1950s.

Organized labor's clout is reflected in a Democratic presidential race in which every candidate is seeking labor's blessing. No Democrat is criticizing unions as...

Congress Looks Ready To Approve 3.5% Raise

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Here's a little something for federal employees to celebrate while flipping the burgers and dogs on the grill this Labor Day: a pay raise drawing bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.

AFL-CIO likely to sit out primary endorsement

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

A day after two unions announced their presidential endorsements, AFL-CIO leaders said Wednesday their union is still unlikely to throw its support behind a candidate during the primary season.

Hurdles ahead for federal pay boost, tax cut

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Time and the financial bottom line are working against a package of attractive bills that would increase most federal workers' take-home pay and trim the federal tax bite on most federal retirees.

The two plans, one to cut federal-postal worker premiums and the other to cut taxes for federal retirees, seem like a good idea '" to federal workers and retirees.

But...

Contracting offices face increased oversight

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

After spending much of 2005 on the defensive in the wake of countless contracting scandals spurred by Hurricane Katrina, acquisition offices at civilian federal agencies had hoped for a more low-key, back-to-basics year. It didn't go quite as planned.

May...

AFL-CIO Decides Not to Endorse for Now...

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT
The A.F.L.-C.I.O.'s executive council voted on Wednesday against endorsing any presidential candidate, reflecting divisions over which Democrat to support and setting...

Administration - Competive Sourcing, R.I.P?

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

One of President Bush's most ambitious efforts to reform government, one that struggled for years to overcome high-level neglect, bureaucratic resistance, and congressional Republican opposition, now faces its Waterloo in the Democratic Congress. ... In the spring of 2006, OMB officials predicted that 26,000 jobs would face competitive bidding during that fiscal year, but only 6,678 jobs did. At last count, fewer than 48,000 government jobs have faced competitive sourcing over the...

Child of AFSCME Local 1509 Member Wins Union Scholarship!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Danna Thomas, daughter of Duane...

Outsourcing in the Dark

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

You don't trifle with Robin Smith when it comes to keeping America safe. Smith is a former airman first class who won a Sharpshooter badge and was one of 125 women selected by the Air Force for a test combat training program. She comes from a family that was almost a stranger to civilian life; until her brother retired from service in the mid-'90s, she says, "there was a member of my family on active military duty for over 100...

Democrats' Field Creates Pleasant Predicament for Unions

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Union leaders say they are so happy with the Democratic presidential aspirants, though unsure of whom to support, that they are unlikely to endorse any of them before the primaries next year.

If the unions do delay throwing their weight behind any candidate early in the campaign, it would be particularly...

House members weigh alternate paths to TSA bargaining rights

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CDT

House lawmakers selected to negotiate with the Senate on major homeland security legislation said Tuesday that they are unsure whether they'll be able to address an effort to grant collective bargaining rights to federal airport screeners.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said at a press briefing that conferees are hoping to begin negotiations this week on a bill to implement the...

Unions seek full court review of Defense personnel ruling

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CDT
A coalition of labor unions on Monday filed a petition for a full appeals court review of a ruling that upheld the Defense Department's new personnel and labor relations rules.

The unions are seeking a rehearing of a decision issued in May by a panel of judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia regarding the department's National Security Personnel System. The appeals judges found that the law creating the system grants the Defense...

You Have the Right to Protest'¦Quietly

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CDT
Your free speech rights to protest in DC may be in jeopardy. The proposed Noise Law bill -- introduced by Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Mary Cheh (Ward 3) and Kwame Brown (At-large) '" currently being considered in the DC City Council '�would ban the use of bull-horns and '�loud' shouting at all protests any time of day,'� says Rick Powell, Metro Council...

Union might not endorse before 2008 primaries

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Given a strong and crowded 2008 Democratic presidential field, a prominent labor leader said on Thursday his union will have a tough time reaching a consensus to make an endorsement before the primaries.

Gerald McEntee, president of the public employees union AFSCME and chairman of the AFL-CIO's political committee, said there was only a...

Rebusting the Air Traffic Controllers Union

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT
It's not easy for air traffic controllers with a Republican in the White House. First, it was Ronald W. Reagan firing 11,000 of them in 1981 for striking to try to better their onerous working conditions. Now, it's George W. Bush making the conditions even worse. The controllers aren't the only ones involved. Millions of airline passengers and employees and many fliers who pilot their own aircraft face serious threats to their safety because of what's being done by the controllers'...

Senate panel moves to scale back Pentagon personnel system

Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

A Senate panel on Thursday approved language that would significantly limit the implementation of a controversial personnel system at the Defense Department and authorize a 3.5 percent 2008 pay raise for members of the military.

In a markup of the fiscal 2008 Defense authorization bill that began Wednesday afternoon, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to repeal the existing authority of the Defense Department to move forward on the labor relations portions...

Labor Night with the Nats

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT
Over 3,000 tickets have already been sold for the Community Services Agency's '�Labor Night with the Nats'� on Friday, 7/20. Tickets are still available! Buy 50 or more tickets and your local's name will appear on the scoreboard. For more info, email Kathleen McKirchy, kmckirch@dclabor.org.

DoD Unions to Appeal Court Ruling

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Labor Coalition to Appeal Ruling at Defense
Steven Barr, Washington Post, May 22, 2007

A coalition of 40 unions representing Defense Department employees will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review a decision by three of its judges upholding a 2004 law that permits the Pentagon to curtail collective bargaining rights, four union...

Labor Coalition to Appeal Ruling at Defense

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT
Labor Coalition to Appeal Ruling at Defense
Steve Barr, Washington Post, May 22, 2007

A coalition of 40 unions representing Defense Department employees will ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review a decision by three of its judges upholding a 2004 law that permits the Pentagon to curtail collective bargaining rights, four union leaders...

AFSCME Council 26 : Articles

Lawmakers urged to bring Hatch Act into the age of telework and social media

Legislation to phase in retirement; Protect workers' comp

Federal-Postal Coalition sends Letter to Senators

TSP sets launch of Roth-style investing

Federal employees working remotely in various ways, survey finds

Shoppers Pledging Support for Giant & Safeway Workers

Groups oppose Ryan budget attacks of feds

Proposed Amendment Would Extend Pay Freeze

Plan to close USDA day-care center upsets parents

The Agriculture Department and General Services Administration are working on plans to relocate a District day-care center for 95 children of federal employees and contractors that is slated to close because of space and safety...

President's Budget to Raise Fed's Retirement Contribution

Off with your wigs!

Federal-Postal Coalition letter opposing proposed cuts in workers compensation

Coalition urges Congress not to penalize feds to pay for payroll tax extension

"Insufficient" Pay Increase Proposed for Federal Workers

White House proposal to end pay freeze draws mixed reactions

Groups urge House to reject proposals reducing federal pay and benefits

REMARKS ON THE RETIREMENT OF AFSCME PRESIDENT JERRY MCENTEE

COALITION OF 22 FEDERAL UNIONS ISSUES STATEMENT ON PROPOSALS TARGETING PAY FREEZE, WORKFORCE CUTS

Federal Union Workers Join Occupy Protesters

Donating to Occupy DC

Group representing millions of feds urges supercommittee not to penalize federal workforce

Furloughed FAA Workers to Get Back Pay

Unions urge lawmakers to pass multi-year FAA funding measure

What 'The Washington Post' Doesn't Understand About the Looming Government Shutdown

House votes to keep government open through Nov. 18

Shutdown a Step Closer as Senate Kills House Bill

House May Still Try to Pass a Continuing Resolution

Reid warns shutdown is possible

Deficit reduction pain for federal employees could be worse, some say

Feds would contribute more to pensions under Obama's deficit plan

Alliance pledges to defend federal workforce from 'irresponsible cuts'

Government spends billions more hiring contractors over public workers

Conservatives May Seize on Airport Funding Once Again

America's Future is at Stake this Labor Day

Agencies turn to buyouts in tough budget environment

'Supercommittee' has thin record on federal employee issues

Message is key in pay and benefits fight

GOP lawmaker will introduce back pay bill for FAA workers

FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Gail Orendorff-Weiner

Obama signs temporary FAA extension; furloughed workers to return Monday

FAA/AFSCME Local 1653 member Lockett Yee and AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman were featured on News channel 8

FAA employees could return to work next week

Statement of AFSCME Pres. McEntee on the Congressional Deal Reached to Fund the FAA:

: FAA Shutdown Continues as Politicians Play Games

Enough is Enough!

4,000 FAA Workers Furloughed

Unions 'haven't heard a thing' on debt limit

Federal workers: How would default affect us?

Groups urge leaders to reject proposals aimed at federal workforce

Letters to President and Congress reject proposals that attack federal workforce

800,000 Federal Workers Could Be Furloughed If Debt Ceiling Isn't Raised

Debt ceiling debate threatens federal pay and benefits

Unions call on Biden to take federal pensions off the table

Unions send letter to Vice-President Biden

Unions urge administration to protect FERS pensions

Senator Mikulski Objects to Use of Federal Employees' Pension Funds in Debt Reduction Negotiations

REPUBLICANS LAUNCH ATTACK ON "OFFICIAL TIME" FOR UNION ACTIVITY

Bill targets union dues deductions

A large group organizations, including AFSCME, sent Congress a letter with a common sense proposal to reduce the deficit

Biden sees $1 trillion in cuts emerging from debt-ceiling talks

Trumka: Working People Want a Strong, Independent Labor Movement

AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia Senators

Federal-Postal Coalition, which AFSCME is part, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner

AFSCME Council 26 sent letters to the Washington, DC-area House of Representatives delegation

AFSCME Statement on Proposals that Attack Federal Employee Income and Retirement Benefits

Treasury taps federal pensions as Uncle Sam hits debt ceiling

Reid To Boehner: If You Want $2 Trillion In Cuts, Start With Oil And Gas Tax Breaks

A Day in the Life Without Public Employees

AFSCME Sanitation Workers Honored at White House, Join "Labor Hall of Fame"

The Martin E. Gerel Memorial Scholarship 2011-2012

Congress passes bill funding government through September

No Shutdown, But a Lot of Sellouts

One week CR cuts $2 billion

Members to Limit Staff Furloughs

Obama and Boehner clash over budget negotiations

Council 26 Sends Letters Concerning Budget Negotiations to Senate.

DeMint Wants to Ban All Collective Bargaining for Federal Employees

CAPITOL GIFT SHOP WORKERS VOTE UNION