| Comment Number: | EM-017611 |
| Received: | 3/12/2005 2:01:50 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 12, 2005 DoD NSPS Comments , DoD NSPS Comments: There are three main issues that I find disturbing about the NSPS initiative. The first is the attempt to treat civilian employees as if they were military personnel. When you join the military you expect to be deployed or transferred upon demand. However, I truly believe that it is unfair to expect civilian employees to do the same. Under certain circumstances it is beneficial to make a move, but that kind of decision should be clearly thought out and weighed not forced under duress. The second issue has to do with giving the DOD the power to increase or decrease an employees salary as much as $10,000 per year based solely on a supervisor's evaluation or the status of the budget. I cannot think of two other determinants that could be more capricious. The third issue is related to the second. Basing pay and raises solely or even mostly on the evaluation of a supervisor gives too much power to middle management. This plan is such a drastic reversal of employee rights and protections. It is clearly a measure to usher back in the old ways of cronyism. The merit system is not perfect and may make it difficult to get rid of non-performing employees. However the ideas being proposed by the new NSPS remove almost all major protections for employees. This is already hurting morale and making people question their decision to pursue civil service as a career. Most people who I work with are hard working and sincere individuals. They are not opposed to improving the efficiency of the federal government. We are all opposed, though, to bearing the weight of this change that is designed to benefit only a few. Sincerely,