Comment Number: OL-10503246
Received: 3/4/2005 2:40:13 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:

I have been a Federal Employee my entire adult life and I am dismayed at this new pay proposal. One of the better things about government service is the restrictions that are put in place when it pertains to supervision and pay scales. First off to get rid of General Scale pay charts is a gross injustice. It gives the power to a supervisor to "weed" out the undesirables that disagree or perhaps that they dislike. Supervisors already have a huge impact on careers when they write appraisals. That itself is all that is needed to ensure productivity. I keep hearing how the Secretary of Defense and other politicians want Civil Service to mirror "corporate" America. That is completely out of step with government service. Civil Service Employees join the workforce because of the ability to progress without this mindset. For example if corporate America were to receive an application from a person with no degree than they will more than likely be biased against that person for a job. I am confronted everyday with dozens of hard working people who attain a higher pay scale because of the fruits of their labors not a piece of paper. If this legislation is passed than favoritism and partiality becomes commonplace and accepted favor. Sure we hear how the supervisor will become more "accountable" but that is a phrase that is thrown out there just to gloss over the people who are nervous. It seems to me if the Government wants to save some dollars they have a litany of choices to choose from. The secrecy of this proposal further demonstrates that the Government knows this is a largely unpopular proposal. It's a miracle that my union representative showed us this documentation before it was too late. I am also a Reservist in the Air Force and I am troubled at how easy this will make civil service employees to be called to duty. The last time I checked we serve in an extremely capable VOLUNTEER force. If the government is having trouble filling rotations than perhaps we should scale back instead of being the police force for every conflict that happens in the world. I am offended that my Congressman would even contemplate such a proposal. Under this proposal mangement has a huge increase in power and influence, Reduction in Force will be determinant on appraisals. Just bear in mind that it could happen to you after you have had a "falling" out with your boss. They can easily send you out the door based on their personal opinion or feelings towards you. The theory sounds good on paper but the bottom line is this kind of mistreatment goes on everyday in the DOD so there will be an even greater frequency of occurrences if this is passed. I am proud of what I do for a living and am a dedicated employee of the DOD, I have stood there ready for any call that Uncle Sam has made for me but I can't idly sit by and let this travesty happen without standing up to protect the rights that my Union and colleagues have fought for. PLEASE WRITE your CONGRESSMAN and demand that they not enact this legislation!!!