| Comment Number: | OL-10501438 |
| Received: | 2/25/2005 8:39:05 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:
General Comment I have reviewed both the initial plan proposed last year as well as the revised plan proposed this year. Neither plan justifies the Draconian measures proposed. I applaud the measures proposed to speed the hiring of new personnel. I have serious reservations over speeding up the system for resolving and settling grievances and adverse personnel actions. I am totally against the proposed pay band system. Many of the problems I have seen in my office over the past 25 years have resulted from poorly trained managers. They do not know how to lead or bring out the best in their people. Over the years I have saved the Department of Defense millions of dollars owed to it by contractors or prevented the DOD from shooting itself in the foot. (I have a letter from an AF General that will attest to what I just stated). Was I rewarded by my managers or promoted? No. After revealing serious problems at a major contractor, I was taken off the account and relegated to a bunch of small contractors where my accumulated talents were wasted for three years till a new manger took control. Under the current pay schedule, I do an honest days work for the pay I receive. I can count on it. Under the proposed pay bands, I am left to the mercy of my poorly trained manager who has never performed my duties. Many of my colleagues feel the same way. Morale in my office is at an all time low. I can't imagine how bad it will be under pay banding. No one will talk to each other. The War fighter and the taxpayer will be the big losers. Some of my colleagues have questioned if pay banding will be used to hire young people in high demand areas and the money given to them in order to retain them in (hard-to-fill) positions. Those performing above average will get less because the mangers have to give the money to those who could easily move to the private sector. Would that be fair? Will that hurt morale? Will DOD budget concerns mean inadequate funding for pay banding? Morale will suffer. There are very few poor performers in my office. Peer pressure and support for the War fighter prod people to perform. Pride in my work and support for the War fighter make me proud to tell people I work for the DOD. Please rethink your pay band proposals. I want to look forward to coming to work the rest of my years with DOD.