| Comment Number: | OL-10509984 |
| Received: | 3/15/2005 10:46:24 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:
This entire proposal is too vague. In order to see exactly how it will work, we'd need to read the details. There aren't enough. As it stands it is too subject to personal interpretation. Civil service positions used to be filled by appointment in return for political favors. This spoils system was replaced in 1883 with the merit system. This is not perfect, but it has worked more fairly. We compete for jobs, and there are procedures in place to dismiss or demote employees not performing satisfactorily. The step system we have guarantees advancement despite the political climate or personal issues between employee and supervisor. This new system under consideration would put us back over 100 years and reinstall the spoils system. Please reconsider giving so much power to front line supervision!! Seniority IS and should remain a valid consideration for continued employment, promotion and treatment during RIF's. We all go through yearly performance appraisals - passing them is no small accomplishment. Seniority means experience and excellence, and that means a great deal. We've always had critical security demands, not just now. It doesn't warrant this complete re-vamping of the entire system. There are no benefits and no security in this new system. You're advancement will depend on the personality and personal agenda of your supervisor who, even after training, will continue to further his/her own career and engage in empire building. This system will pit everyone against each other. I think that is contrary to our common goals in preparing and maintaining this country and its military.