| Comment Number: | OL-10512062 |
| Received: | 3/16/2005 8:46:45 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:
9901.409(g) states: “A rating of record may be challenged by an employee only through a reconsideration procedure as provided in DoD implementing regulations. This procedure will be the sole and exclusive method for all employees to challenge a rating of record.” The above statement from the proposed regulation is very troubling. One of the most pressing complaints of the new performance management system is the fear that supervisors and managers will not be fair and honest when evaluating employees and determining pay raises. To not include the method employees can use to challenge ratings is a very serious issue. Many employees are scheduled to move under this new system as early as July of this year. Morale will be very low if there is not yet official recourse for discussing and disputing performance appraisals. This is an area where union input will be especially important, as they are experienced in what has and has not worked in the appraisal grievance process in the past. Please engage in collective bargaining over the ratings dispute process, and then publish the proposed process in the Federal Register. This is one of the most important things the Department of Defense could do to assuage employee doubt and fear.