| Comment Number: | OL-10503496 |
| Received: | 3/6/2005 2:05:25 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:
Although I fully support a performance-based pay system, I have grave concerns about the implementation of the pay bands in lieu of the current GS grade/step structure. The current system allows for annual adjustments for inflation, along with periodic raises in conjunction with step increases. The Fort Belvoir garrision recently announced that there will be no quality step increases or cash awards this year due to the budget shortage. At least the current system will still afford the annual inflationary adjustment and step increases as scheduled. What protections will be in place under the new pay system? In times of budget crunches, will successful or even exceptional performers be guaranteed a raise beyond that of the inflationary adjustment? Unlike in the curent system, it seems that when the budget axe swings, the new system will not afford any protection to the salaries of federal workers.