Comments:

February 17, 2005

  DoD NSPS Comments

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   DoD NSPS Comments:

  I write to express my concerns about changes to work rules in the Department of Defense (DoD).  The proposed regulations, known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), were printed in the Federal Register on February 14, 2005.  This message will be sent to both DoD and my representatives in Congress. 

  I have worked for DoD for 37years.  I am angry that these proposals all appear to be negative towards the one  individual needed the most to keep our Country and DOD strong - the employee. Although there are a few employees who are otherwise, most DoD employees extremely hard working dedicated workers.I believe that we are being used as escape goats simply because DOD dislikes unions and the fact that with them employees must all be treated fair and equitable. As a result, both unfair and unnecessary  NSPS proposed provisions have been recommended that will not only negatively impact Most employees but will jepodize the Nation's defense.

I am extremely upset by NSPS.  This system will change the way workers are paid, evaluated, promoted, fired, scheduled, and treated.  These rules would create a system where-in employee's will be victims of  favoritism rather than fairness in all areas.

  While some changes in current systems being utilized may in fact be necessary what has been proposed is certainly not the answer.

  I ask that you oppose the NSPS proposed provisions and require DOD to form team consisting of managers, supervisors, employees and employee representatives to develop appropriate proposed changes that make sense, treat all fairly and equitably and better meet the needs of this Nation.

  To site but two examples of my opposition:

  1. If changes are to be made to our current pay sysytem we need a Pay system that is fair and that encourages team work not one (as that proposed) that is based strictly on favortism and pits one employee against another.

  2. If overtime provisions require change these changes must take into consideration the fact that TODAY many employees are working parents who require, except in emergency situations, ample notice in order to ensure their children are properly cared for while they perform any overtime requirements. The current proposals do not support this concern.

  I ask that immeidate steps be taken to demand that this entire issue be placed on hold and that DOD be required as I stated above to go back to the plannning table and develop changes that make sense, ensure proper protection for  the workers and move us in a direction for the betterment of National Defense.