IFPTE Local 777

IFPTE Local 777 recently commented on two proposed regulations from the Office of Personnel Management. When we participate in “rulemaking” by offering our comments, we are actually doing so under two separate rights. First, the Administrative Procedures Act requires all rules to allow for public comment and respond to those comments. Second, all federal workers have a right to collectively use their voice through their union.

Performance Management

In March, we commented on OPM’s proposed changes to how performance is measured in the Federal Government. We opposed this proposal, citing two main concerns:

• OPM’s desire to remove performance ratings from negotiated grievance procedures like the ones in our LRC, LRP, and SPD Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• OPM’s desire to force managers to “grade on the curve” or use a “forced distribution” to pit workers against each other for a fewer number of top ratings.

View our comments here – or see them published here.

Uniform Allowances

In May, we commented on the OPM’s proposal to increase the amount agencies may pay to employees for work uniforms. We support this proposal. It not only would allow for an increase in the amount paid, but it clarifies in the government-wide rules that PPE – like cold or hot weather gear – are not to be charged to uniform allowances.

View our comments here – or see them published here.