Erich Wagner

1 day ago | govexec.com | Erich Wagner

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel this week mostly substantiated the allegations of Agriculture Department whistleblowers who called attention to poor working conditions at the dilapidated Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland and recommended the department offer them bonuses.

2 days ago | govexec.com | Erich Wagner

The top Democrats on the House Oversight and Reform and Judiciary committees called on their Senate colleagues to reject President Trump’s choice to serve at the Office of Special Counsel, arguing that Paul Ingrassia’s extremist views and friends disqualify him from a position traditionally dedicated to guarding against politicization. Trump nominated Ingrassia last month, after a legal battle that culminated in the firing of then-Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger in March.

3 days ago | govexec.com | Erich Wagner

A federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction late Tuesday once again blocking President Trump’s executive order to strip two-thirds of the federal workforce of their right to join and be represented by a union, finding “persuasive evidence” that the measure was implemented in retaliation for speech protected by the First Amendment.

5 days ago | govexec.com | Erich Wagner

A series of plans targeting federal workers’ retirement benefits, their unions and civil service protections were dealt a setback over the weekend when the Senate parliamentarian warned that they violate rules governing budget reconciliation initiatives.

1 week ago | govexec.com | Erich Wagner

The Office of Personnel Management this week released new guidance calling on federal agencies to rate fewer employees as above average or outstanding and to discipline or fire federal workers more quickly. Much like OPM’s hiring plan, a new memo from acting OPM Director Charles Ezell to agency heads makes overtures toward the nonpartisan issue of improving performance management in government, but introduces partisan elements that could threaten the effectiveness of those reforms, experts say.