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 23 years and I am angry that these proposals seem to treat the employees who help defend our country as the enemy.  Most DoD employees work hard and are committed. I believe that mistreating the employees will hurt the agency’s mission.  This system will change the way workers are paid, evaluated, promoted, fired, scheduled, and treated.  These rules would create a system in which federal managers are influenced by favoritism rather than serving the civil concerns of the American people.  

  Favoritism is already very real in the organization that I work for. When I see someone promoted because of favoritism, I say to myself, at least I have my pay raise in January and the occasional step increase to keep me marginally satisfied.  With NSPS, that will no longer be the case. I consider myself a hard worker and I think that management views me in a somewhat favorable light. However I don't want to have to constantly worry about doing or saying something that could affect my performance appraisals.   I agree with others who've commented that this system will force workers to compete with one another for pay raises, which will destroy teamwork, increase conflict among employees, and reward short-term outcomes. There is no guarantee that even the best workers will receive a pay raise or that the pay offered will be fair or competitive.  This system will create a situation in which workers are in conflict with one another and afraid to speak out about harassment, violations of the law, and workplace safety problems.  Furthermore, there will be no impartial appeal system to assure that everyone is treated fairly.