Pentagon to Address NSPS in Next Congressional Session

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and other unions representing federal workers secured a major victory for workers in the Department of Defense (DoD) when the FY07 Defense spending bill was signed into law.  Included in the bill was language blocking funding for labor relations aspects of the new personnel system at DoD, the National Security Personnel System (NSPS).

While this victory represents a significant step toward maintaining workers’ rights for Defense employees, the Pentagon is still determined to implement NSPS.  DoD has appealed the decision issued by Judge Emmet Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that blocked the collective bargaining and labor relations portions of NSPS.  DoD is also moving full speed ahead with implementation of performance management aspects of the system, which includes moving from the traditional federal pay system to pay banding.

The Pentagon has made clear that they intend to ask Congress for “clarifications” on NSPS if their appeal proves unsuccessful.  In addition, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England discussed extending the NSPS sunset clause during a September Senate hearing.  The sunset clause would force the department to revert back to its current labor relations rules in 2009 if the system has not yet been reauthorized by Congress.

In the next Congressional session, the Department of Defense is going to approach legislators and request additional concessions on NSPS.  The current majority in Congress is likely to rubber stamp practically anything DoD asks for, to the detriment of Defense workers who stand to lose collective bargaining rights, appeal rights, and yearly pay increases if the Pentagon has their way.  That is why it is crucial for every federal worker to get out and vote on November 7th.  In the next session we need a Congress that supports federal civil service workers.  We need a Congress that will stand up to the current administration’s attacks on collective bargaining rights, appeal rights, and pay.  Use your vote wisely on November 7th!

Please continue to look for our Remember in November column in the coming weeks so we can help you prepare to make an informed decision on Election Day.  For information on your elected officials’ voting records please contact NFFE National Headquarters at (202) 862-4400 or rerwin@nffe.org.