| Comment Number: | EM-017603 |
| Received: | 3/13/2005 11:38:37 AM |
| 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 13, 2005 DoD NSPS Comments , DoD NSPS Comments: I wish to express my concerns about changes to work rules in the Department of Defense (DoD), known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). This message will be sent to both DoD and my representatives in Congress. NSPS will change the way workers are paid, evaluated, promoted, fired, scheduled, and treated. These rules would create a system in which federal managers may be influenced by favoritism, short-term goals and existing funds. Presently, signed Local Cooperative Agreements with states are all not being honored due to Federal funds being devoted to "higher priorities". With Congress no longer setting and controlling pay, I am concerned that employee pay and bonuses will be the first means to control Federal spending and be used as a means to help balance the budget. I am also concerned that salaries will depend almost completely on the personal judgment of a supervisor. The present system of set salaries and potential bonuses based upon performance, while still subject to favoirtism, is more equitable. Under the proposed system to expect that all will be treated fairly is unrealistic. The Federal employees' goal should be working as a team to improve the quality of life for Americans, not competing with team members for pay raises. I am especially concerned that Federal employees could be assigned anywhere in the world, even into a war zone, with little or no notice. I am proud to serve my country but I am also responsible for caring for my family and my personal obligations at home. We signed up for a civilian job. We did not enlist in the military. Today?s volunteer system works well. The proposed regulations are an attack on workers? basic rights. I urge you to force DoD to rethink this proposal. We need work rules that preserve fairness, serve the American people, and respect the rights of Defense Department workers. Sincerely,