Comment Number: OL-10510454
Received: 3/16/2005 9:46:45 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 have been a civil service employee for over a quarter of a century. I sat thru a briefing yesterday listening to the positive side that was presented concerning the NSPS proposals. What I see is a dismantling of a system that has flaws, no doubt. However, the new proposals/rules are reeking of problems that are going to show themselves very quickly. When you have so much power being given to any one group, the chances for abuse will surely happen. Why? All human beings are not created equal when it comes to being fair, impartial, patient, etc. The ideal of taking away step increases, and tenure from straight civilians and saying it has something to do with protecting our national security is ridiculous. I heard the speaker say that my tenure is not being harmed, but I can read the words printed in the Federal Register proposal and I can see many problems that will occur. If a worker has the misfortune of becoming the subordinate of a manager who has personal problems, that worker under these new rules could find themselves in a very precarious situation. In my career I too have been in a managment postion. The tools are and have been there to dismiss a poor performer. I was responsible for a budget, my subordinates, and their safety. I do not see anything in this new system but the possibities of very strong abuse by managment. I know the old system could be fixed in regard to changing the rules governing hiring practices. So why not just address that? What I see happening with these new proposals is an unfair balance that will occur between management and employees. If you are not lucky enough to be in with the clique, or that old saying the good ol boys group you may find yourself in a very scary situation. I know to some individuals I may sound like I'm being old fashioned and I don't want change. I can adapt to change, that is not my problem. I am not afraid of the performance issues. For more than half of my career I have had ratings that were exceptional because of my work ethics. My gut tells me that this new program will hurt many people unfairly. There are not enough checks and balance that I can see to keep all individuals honest and fair. I hope that our comments are given consideration in such an important decision as these proposals. Thank you.