| Comment Number: | EM-001325 |
| Received: | 3/1/2005 7:18:07 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
March 1, 2005 DoD NSPS Comments , DoD NSPS Comments: I am writing in reference to Department of Defense (DoD) proposed regulations, known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), which were printed in the Federal Register on February 14, 2005. I believe NSPS, as proposed, is a mistake. I am concerned that pay raises will become subjective, arbitrary, and abused by some supervisors. I am also concerned that morale, and performance, will suffer. I strongly believe that an "employer of choice" would provide annual cost of living pay increases to all employees performing at a satisfactory level. NSPS does not provide for that. I also believe a quality employer would provide step increases that reward loyalty, longevity, and experience. NSPS does not do that. I spent 28 years in the United States Air Force...18 years as a Senior NCO, the last 8 of which I was a Chief Master Sergeant. I directly supervised civil servants and never felt drastic changes like this were needed. My only complaint was the extensive time required to hire a new employee. The current system also provides effective measures to discipline. I was unfortunate enough to have to terminate employment of two civil servants during my Air Force career. I am currently a civil servant receiving the highest performance ratings. I'm told that NSPS will benefit mission-oriented employees like me who go beyond the required and seek additional duties and responsibilities. However, I am highly skeptical of NSPS. Not all supervisors and managers are above reproach. Subjectivity and poor supervisors/managers will negatively impact the workforce. I actually think that NSPS will pit co-workers against each other and destroy team work. I am also extremely concerned with the failure to actively include the unions in NSPS, and the stripping of traditional union rights, bargaining, and representation. As a supervisor/manager for 18 years, I never had a grievance filed against me, and often felt the union was beneficial. I fail to understand the antagonistic nature toward unions in NSPS. I urge you to prevent the implementation of NSPS as currently proposed. Sincerely,