Comment Number: OL-10507117
Received: 3/14/2005 8:56:47 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 am in my 27th year as a government employee. I have seen many changes in those years for both good and bad. This is the first time in those years that the "people" have been asked for comments, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute and express my concerns. The NSPS system will change the way workers are paid, evaluated, promoted, fired, disciplined, scheduled and treated. The possibility of these "new" rules could create a system in which federal managers are influenced by favoritism . SUBPART C - PAY, SECTION 9901-301 to 9901-373 Pay Raises: Currently, our pay is very charted and precise. Our raises depend on the approval of Congress. However erratic our increase percentages have been we have always known, when Congress approved a percentage increase, we would get that percentage across the board. I realize Congress may be short on funds and have seen employees contribute items used daily in the workplace (toilet paper, pens, pencils, paper) in order to keep the "mission" support. Employees have also volunteered hours of work time and energy for our mission. NSPS would definitely delete the much needed support that "we" provide "our" government on a daily basis. SUBPART D - PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, 9901-401 to 9901-409 and SUBPART E - STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT, 9901-501 to 9901-516 Supervisor Favoritism: The amount of a workers salary would depend on the judgement of their supervisor. This would cause employees to be pitted against one another on a daily basis, causing friction and very much discontent. For years we have been told we are a "team" working for the same goals which would turn into self-centered, selfish, and ass-kissing goals. After all, everybody wants more money. Civilian Deployment: I have personally know civilians who have deployed to different parts of the world to better serve their mission. The distinct difference between civilians and military is stability. The military have moved around their entire careers, allowing them to only learn a "little" in areas of their fields, while the civilians have basically stayed and kept the ships floating. The government has never cared about military married to military having dependents. If both spouses have deployment orders, the dependents are sent back with relatives, if available, or friends. Civilians have the "choice" concerning their dependents. NSPS would take that "choice" away. CLOSING STATEMENT: Realizing the world is changing and we are in the middle of a war, working with less and expecting more, costs rising daily and lack of funds, the "new" NSPS would set the government back forty years. Most Americans have strived long and hard for what we have but the NSPS rules would dissolve our "team" efforts, goals, and country saving missions. Civil Service is not perfect, but some areas have improved through the years and with rules that protect the people, preserve fairness, while also preserving the American dream we will continue to respect the rights of our DOD employees. NSPS could not and would not provide those resources. Our incentives are gradually being taken away day by day and the government is insisting on hiring highly educated people for "middle of the road" wages, again more for less. Our military are trimmed to the bone while the same amount of work load is required daily. I urge DOD to reconsider this proposal for the well being of our government and the people of America.