Federal Managers Association

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• Senate, House Differ on Probationary Policy, Other DoD Personnel Issues - September 29, 2021

• Fedweek

  The House measure would end a requirement in effect there since 2015 for a two-year probationary period for newly hired employees and return the department instead to the general policy in effect elsewhere of one year. That authority was enacted on grounds that one year is not enough to judge the performance of employees in many jobs which require specific training and on the job learning; federal unions, though, argue that it leaves employees without the full appeal rights that come with successfully completing a probationary period for too long.

  However, a report by the Senate Armed Services Committee on its bill—an action that typically signals a floor vote is upcoming soon—is silent on the issue. The Federal Managers Association, which earlier opposed the House language, has again urged that the Senate not agree to the change until a study of the impact of the longer period is completed.

  To read the full story, click here.

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