| Comment Number: | OL-10502691 |
| Received: | 3/2/2005 3:45:08 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:
The only thing broken with the GS grade and appraisal system is management. Grade step increases are not automatic; if a person is not performing up to an acceptable level, the manager can withhold the step increase. Lazy supervisors allow the perception ‘civil servants do not have to work for a living’ to exist. I distain the phrase “Close enough for government work”. Good supervisors provide guidance and mentoring to their employees. Good supervisors know how to reward and discipline their workers. Civil servants are fired, but not by supervisors who do not take the time to work the process. It is scary to think that the same supervisor that is too lazy to do the job right will now have the power to fire an employee without any oversight. Government and democracy built on checks and balances provide a level playing field for all employees. Moving into NSPS without union representation removes the check and balance layer of protection for all employees. Unions would not exist in a perfect work place. They exist to protect employees from unfair labor practices. Taking away hard fought rights of workers, private industry or civil service is wrong. Doing so under the auspices of ‘Homeland Security’ is degrading and an insult to the intelligence of every worker in government. I have not talked to any of my co-workers that participated in surveys about the current system. How was it determined and who made the decision that the GS system is so broken it has to be dismantled? Why were they paranoid about having union representatives in the planning and discussions? Why do they want to dilute our rights under Title 5? When my car is not running smoothly I take it in for a tune-up. I change the oil and perform scheduled maintenance. I pay attention and monitor its performance. I have never pulled into the service bay and told the mechanic to dismantle the car to locate a squeak. Address the current system squeaks by providing supervisors tune-up training on its design and inner workings. Replace worn out tired management. Refresh and vitalize the workforce by believing in us. I am very proud of my civil service career. Power is working together and sharing knowledge. NSPS is a mistake that should not happen. Without constraints and employee-protected rights, the workplace environment will only bring out the ugliest human characteristics in everyone.