| Comment Number: | OL-10512087 |
| Received: | 3/16/2005 9:06:38 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:
I have worked as a federal employee for 28 years. I have been a high performer, and have received numerous performance awards, annually consistently for the last seven years. While personally I have been fortunate to work for fair and conscientious bosses, I have observed situations in which people were judged by different standards: some due to prejudices and some to favoritism, despite the much stronger safeguards built into the systems during that time period. Just as the three branches of government provide check and balance upon one another, so safeguards such as bargaining and the arbitration process provide important check and balance. I’m extremely concern about the lack of safeguards in the proposed system. This year, despite assurances of rewards based on job performance, political appointees at the Pentagon received slightly higher pay raises than career executives, even when they had the same performance ratings. A system similar to NSPS was implemented by Federal Aviation Administration. I understand from associates who work for FAA that many employees, EVEN those rated outstanding, have not had a pay increase in 3 years, despite increases in the cost of living.. Since managers above your supervisor can change ratings if they wish, the proposed system becomes more prone to abuse. Given these current instances, I have no assurance that the proposed system would not be subject to abuse. My co-workers and I fully support high performance. Several of my colleagues, although civilians, have served overseas in dangerous situations (Bosnia, Egypt, Afganistan and Iraq). Most of us have had offers from private industry to work at substantially higher pay. Although other factors play into the decision, a large part of that is the belief that we are supporting our country, performing a public service, providing best value to all taxpayers by maintaining our standards. In return, it’s reasonable to expect that we are treated fairly and honestly. NSPS does not provide the accountability to employees executing vital mission functions.