Comment Number: OL-10506994
Received: 3/14/2005 6:12:28 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:

I believe there needs to be a change in creditable service for Service Computation Date (SCD) Leave and RIF for former Local National (LN) employees who become U.S. Citizens and are converted to U.S. Appointments. Currently, LN employees, working in the overseas area do not receive credit for their previous service if they obtain US Citizenship. For example a person who has been employed by the U.S. Government as a Local National employee for 15 years and then applies and receives their U.S. citizenship is converted to a Family Member Appointment, however that same employee with 15 years of dedicated service has the same SCD benefits for leave and RIF as a newly hired employee. Foreign spouses have always played an important role in supporting the U.S. mission in overseas theaters. Typically, these spouses bring anywhere from 2 to 20 years of experience to their profession with the Government. Many of them are well trained, educated, and highly dedicated employees. I have been an LN employee in Germany for 17 years and have applied for my U.S. citizenship. Once I become a citizen and I'm converted to a US appointment I will start with no credit towards my SCD, earn four hours of leave per pay period, and will have no tenure in the event of a RIF. I am, like many other LN-Spouses, well trained, highly motivated and very dedicated to my job with the US Government. I have chosen to give up my German citizenship and become and American. It does not seem appropriate that I and other foreign employees of the U.S. Government who become citizens should suffer the loss of benefits as a result of that act. I ask you to please consider the change.