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FEEA ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

February 24th, 2025 | Posted by admin in Budget | College Assistance | Did you know? | FEEA | Labor History - (Comments Off on FEEA ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!)

Dear Member,

Reminder! FEEA’s annual scholarship competition is available for eligible students and open until March 13, 2025. The scholarship, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, can be used for tuition and fees at any accredited college or university.

Eligible students include:

  • Federal employees
  • Their children, step-children, and legal dependents (under age 25)
  • Their spouses
  • Some associations and unions partner with FEEA and include scholarships for members, members’ children, grandchildren, spouses, or retiree members’ children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. Details are included on the website.

Program information, detailed instructions, and a link to the application can be found here: https://feea.org/our-programs/scholarships/.

We hope you and your family take advantage of this opportunity.

In Solidarity,

AFGE

JOIN IN THE FIGHT

February 17th, 2025 | Posted by admin in Budget | Did you know? | Executive Orders | JOIN AFGE | MAKE THE CALL | National Updates - (0 Comments)

AFGE Membership Highest in History as Government Workers Join in Droves to Stand Up for Public Service

February 10, 2025

President Trump’s illegal directives keep coming, but federal workers who take the oath to uphold the Constitution are not taking it lying down. Their courage and commitment to public service have led to skyrocketing membership at AFGE. As of this writing, the number of dues-paying members went up rapidly to stand at 321,000, the highest in the union’s history. 

Federal workers are joining to have a voice at work and fight efforts to undermine the federal government and democracy.  

Here’s a summary of what we did together this week and how you can join us. 

Feb. 7: In response to AFGE and allies’ lawsuit, a federal judge paused the Trump administration’s effort to put more than 2,000 employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave and to recall overseas USAID employees to the U.S.  

Feb. 6: In a victory for government employees, a federal judge suspended the Trump administration’s implementation of its deferred resignation program in response to AFGE and allies’ lawsuit seeking suspension of this illegal program. The judge has set a Monday hearing to hear further arguments.  

Feb. 6: A federal judge partially blocked Elon Musk’s access to the Treasury Department’s payment systems in response to a lawsuit filed by AFGE and allies. Two DOGE-connected employees are granted “read only” access to the systems. No one else will get access, including Musk himself. 

Feb. 5: AFGE and allies filed a lawsuit challenging DOGE’s authority to access highly sensitive information systems at the Department of Labor and restructure multiple federal agencies unilaterally. 

Feb. 3: AFGE vowed to challenge any efforts to defy signed contracts after the Trump administration told agencies to ignore collective bargaining agreements. AFGE maintains that union contracts are enforceable by law, and the president does not have the authority to make unilateral changes to the agreements.  

For more details about our efforts protecting the public service and workers’ rights, click here. 

Want to join in the fight? 

Here are 2 easy steps you can take. 

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

February 17th, 2025 | Posted by admin in Benefits | Budget | Did you know? | Events | MAKE THE CALL - (0 Comments)

Dear AFGE Activist,

Let’s keep the pressure on! Tell Congress: Stop the War on America’s Workforce!

Last week, hundreds of AFGE members, government workers and union activists gathered in Washington, D.C. to tell members of Congress across the country, and across political party lines, to stop the war on America’s workforce. We rallied with our labor family and coalition partners to save our country and save the civil service.

Right now, federal employee’s pay, benefits, retirement and health care are on the chopping block as lawmakers work through the current budget process.

At a time when federal employees are already facing extreme stress and uncertainty, Congress should not make things worse by increasing the cost federal employees must pay to save for retirement and provide health care to their families.

Take action now button

Contact your lawmakers and tell them NO CUTS to federal pay and benefits.

In Solidarity,

AFGE

AFGE Pushes for 4.5% Pay Raise for Feds in 2025

December 29th, 2024 | Posted by admin in Budget | COLA | Did you know? | Political - (0 Comments)

Source: AFGE Insider

AFGE is urging President Joe Biden to restore pay parity between civilian and military employees by increasing the 2025 pay raise for federal workers from 2% to 4.5%. 

Biden has proposed a 2% pay raise for federal workers and 4.5% for military personnel. In a letter spearheaded by AFGE from the Federal Salary Council to Biden, the council urged the president to issue an executive order to give federal workers a 4.5% pay raise with 4% allocated as an across-the-board cost of living adjustment and 0.5% as locality pay supplements that vary by region. 

“There is a long tradition of parity in pay adjustments for civilian and military employees of the federal government,” the council wrote in the Nov. 8 letter. “This tradition is rarely broken, and although your Fiscal 2025 Budget proposed just 2% for civilians and 4.5% for the military, we believe that using the occasion of the end-of-year executive order to revert back to this tradition is warranted. President Obama did so in 2016, and we ask that you do the same.” 

AFGE President Everett Kelley and Public Policy Director Jacqueline Simon serve as the union’s two presidential appointees on the council, an advisory body that provides recommendations to the administration on the federal employee locality pay program. 

AFGE is also working with Congress to push for higher pay. 

In a Dec. 11 letter to Biden, a group of 27 Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate urged the president to restore the bipartisan support for pay parity across the federal workforce. 

“Although we understand this decision was made under the constraints put in place by the Fiscal Responsibility Act caps, we believe it is imperative you revise your budget to align military and civilian employee pay raises,” they wrote. “Specifically, we request you issue a revised alternative pay plan seeking a 4.5% pay increase for the entire federal workforce, including military and civilian employees alike.” 

The lawmakers noted that both military and civilian employees work hard to keep us safe and provide critical services to the American people. 

“Of the federal workforce, more than 2.2 million civilian employees work to ensure resources and services are provided to countless communities across America,” they added. “By aligning military and civilian pay raises for 2025, you will recognize the efforts of the entire federal workforce.” 

Biden has until the end of December to finalize the pay raises. 

AFGE President Kelley Pushes Back Against Musk/Ramaswamy’s Plan to Cut 75% of Federal Workforce

December 6th, 2024 | Posted by admin in Budget | Did you know? | Political - (1 Comments)

AFGE President Everett Kelley pushed back on the incoming administration’s plan to drastically cut the federal workforce and agencies without analyzing the impact they have on the American people. 

Appearing on C-SPAN Nov. 22, Kelley responded to recent statements by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy that 75% of the federal workforce and agencies need to be cut in addition to the use of reduction in force and moving federal agencies outside Washington, D.C. The business duo, who have no previous experience in government, have been tasked by Trump to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.  

“First of all, when you say you want to cut them without further analyzing and see what our government really needs, I think is misguided,” Kelley said. “I welcome an opportunity to sit down and talk about how we can make the government more efficient. To think that you can take the federal employees inside of D.C. and send them out into the states to work, well guess what? Only 15% of federal employees work inside of D.C. They’re already dispersed throughout the United States. I just think that they need to educate themselves on what federal employees really do and where they are located.” 

To make the government more efficient, Kelley pointed to Medicare, which has an opportunity to save $60 billion by combating fraud. Tax evasion also cost the government $1 trillion this year alone. 

The AFGE president took issue with Musk and Ramaswamy calling federal workers “bureaucrats,” reminding them that these employees are Veteran Affairs doctors and nurses taking care of our country’s veterans, Transportation Security Officers who keep our skies safe, the meat inspectors who make sure the food we eat is safe, Bureau of Prisons correctional officers who protect their communities, Social Security Administration workers who cut checks to seniors, and the list goes on. 

“It’s a little patronizing to even think about the possibility of cutting 75% of the federal workforce. I see it as a direct attack against veterans. I am a veteran myself. Of the workforce, about 642,000 of that workforce are veterans, so when you say you’re gonna cut 75%, that means it’s a direct attack on veterans and I am appalled by that,” Kelley added.  

He also doesn’t think the new administration is trying to make the government more efficient. Rather, they want to drive away workers so they can give the jobs to contractors who are two to three times more expensive than federal employees.  

As a federal contractor, Musk himself has benefited from taxpayers’ dollars. 

“It’s not a matter of not their patriotism of people that I represent. It’s about the bottom line. It’s about making the dollar,” Kelley said. 

Kelley has also appeared on CNN and wrote a letter to the editor to the Wall Street Journal combating the slash and burn philosophy of Musk and Ramaswamy. 

Are SSA Employees the Problem?

October 20th, 2023 | Posted by admin in Budget | Did you know? | STAFF - (0 Comments)

Is SSA underfunded?

Is that the reason SSA is understaffed and undertrained?

Are current employee the problem?

Do they want to blame employees for the failure to train employees and/or provide resources.

CONGRESS WANTS ANSWERS ABOUT OVERPAYMENTS:

https://www.govexec.com/management/2023/10/under-fire-social-security-chief-vows-top-bottom-review-payment-clawbacks/391346/

PASS A BUDGET

October 20th, 2023 | Posted by admin in Budget | Did you know? | Political | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

The Continuing Resolution for the Federal Budget expires November 17, 2023. One week before Thanksgiving puting payroll in jeopardy starting December 8th as you prepare for Holidays.
Call your representative at 855-222-9093 and tell then the federal government needs a budget that funds SSA, Your friends and family can also call.

Lawmakers Push to Protect Leave, Allow Feds to Opt Out of Tax Deferral

October 13th, 2020 | Posted by admin in Budget | CORONAVIRUS | Deferred TAX | Did you know? - (0 Comments)

AFGE voices support for members of Congress who are trying to shield federal workers from the ill effects of COVID-19 by protecting their leave and allowing them to opt out of the ill-conceived tax deferral scheme. 

Our union applauds a bipartisan group of 43 House lawmakers led by Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who urged the Trump administration to allow federal workers to opt out of the tax deferral plan that defers payroll taxes between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020. Employees will have to pay it back by May 1, 2021.

AFGE President Everett Kelley initially urged Secretary Mnuchin to make it opt-in, or at the very least opt-out. 

AFGE also supports new legislation introduced in the House and Senate that would waive the 30-day annual leave cap for all federal employees. 

Normally, federal workers can only carry over 30 days of annual leave from one year to another. But because of COVID-19, the Office of Personnel Management waived the 30-day cap for those deemed essential workers by their agency. 

The Federal Worker Leave Fairness Act introduced by Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., in the House and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, in the Senate, would extend the OPM waiver to all federal workers because there are several factors that prevent employees from taking annual leave, including state and local travel restrictions. 

“Thousands of dedicated federal workers have been tirelessly responding to the coronavirus pandemic, including U.S. Postal Service employees, Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration workers, and National Institutes of Health researchers,” Senator Hirono said. “Our nation has leaned on them as they deliver medicines and Social Security checks, assist Americans with filing their taxes, develop a vaccine, and provide other vital services. This bill makes sure that no federal worker loses their leave because of this or any future pandemic.”  

“Federal workers at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic to maintain the Navy’s readiness to respond to national security threats and have avoided unnecessary travel to minimize health risks that could threaten this important work,” said Rep. Kilmer. “They shouldn’t have to sacrifice the paid leave benefits they’ve earned because they chose to prioritize national service…Federal workers shouldn’t have to choose between working to support our nation or using their earned benefits before the end of the year.” 

FEDERAL WORKERS ARE UNDER ATTACK

July 25th, 2019 | Posted by admin in Budget | Did you know? | National Updates - (0 Comments)

Federal workers’ rights are under attack!

We have to act now to pressure the Senate to stand with us by ensuring that language stays in the FY 2020 funding bill to prevent agencies from imposing collective bargaining agreements that are not fairly bargained or arbitrated.

Click here to send a letter to your Senator about the FY 2020 funding bill.

Sending this letter is another way for you to fight back against the attacks on federal workers.

In Solidarity,

AFGE

SHUTDOWN RESOURCES

January 15th, 2019 | Posted by admin in Budget | Shutdown - (0 Comments)

Banks, Restaurants, Union Plus Lend a Helping Hand to Feds During Shutdown

January 14, 2019

   

 
Categories: The Insider

It has been over three weeks since the Trump administration began forcing more than 800,000 federal employees to either work without pay or stay home without pay. Many employees live paycheck to paycheck and won’t be able to pay their mortgages and other bills if they don’t get paid on time.  

But amid the bad news, there is some good news. Some major banks have expressed their willingness to work with federal employees, albeit on a case by case basis. Many restaurants are offering free food or a discount to federal employees. 

 

 

Here’s a list of financial institutions that have expressed willingness to work with federal employees struggling with their loan repayments. If you are a customer of one of these banks or Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company, you can reach out to them for assistance.  

Banks offering assistance to federal workers

1.    Wells Fargo  — The bank will work with individuals affected by the shutdown. Call 1-800-TO-WELLS, or the number on your credit card, debit card, or statement for assistance, or visit any Wells Fargo branch. For more information about this assistance program, click here.  

2.     Bank of America  — Bank of America has said it will work with customers on a case by case basis. Call the bank’s assistance line at (844) 219-069.  

3.     Citi  –– Citi has said it is offering assistance to feds facing financial hardships. Click here or call the number on your card to request assistance.   

4.     Chase  — Call 1-888-356-0023 for assistance.  

5.    Capital One— Capital One is offering a number of options that could help feds whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown. “We want to do our part to support individuals and families in need during this stressful time. Please call us or visit any of our locations for further assistance.” Card holders should contact 1-800-622-2580.

6.     Navy Federal Credit Union — The credit union is offering 0% APR loans during the government shutdown. Click here for more details.  

7.    First Command Financial Services — The bank told CNN it is offering its bank clients who are federal employees interest-free payroll advances and other assistance. Click here for more information. 

8.     Democracy Federal Credit Union —The credit union told CNN it is offering a short-term emergency loan with 0% interest. Contact Democracy FCU Member Services at (800) 742-5582.  

9.     Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company — Fidelity & Guaranty Life Senior Vice President John Phelps has reached out to AFGE to express the company’s appreciation for federal employees and their work for the American people. To help the nearly 27,000 AFGE members who currently have a policy with the company during this government shutdown, the company “will keep the policy-in-force by waving the cost of insurance charges for the next 30 days.”   

 

Need to find a local food bank or want to make a donation to help feds in need?  

Contact Feeding America.  

Here’s Feeding America’s message to AFGE members: 

Dear AFGE Members –

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week and many of you face the reality of a missed paycheck, I am writing to share a resource available to help you and your families during this challenging time: AFGE is pleased to announce a partnership with Feeding America to help our members in this time of need. 

Feeding America is a national network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner food pantries that serves individuals in every community across the country. The Feeding America network has already begun preparing for the national impact of the government shutdown and the anticipated need to assist federal employees who are either furloughed or currently working without pay. The contact information for your local food bank can be found here, and they will guide you through the process of accessing the resources that are available to you and your family.

Many of you who are working and still have a pay check coming in have also asked what you can do to help your fellow members whose families are affected by the shutdown. We ask that you consider making a donation to support Feeding America’s efforts. Every dollar you donate can help provide as many as 10 meals through the Feeding America network of food banks. You can make a donation here.    

If you have questions or would like additional information about Feeding America, please contact Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer, at kleone@feedingamerica.org.

Thrifts Saving Plan   

The TSP has issued the following message in response to the shutdown: 

“The TSP allows for the suspension of loan payments when you go into nonpay status to prevent your loan from going into default. Normally, we require documentation from your agency or service. However, the TSP does not need documentation of your furlough at this time. If your loan payments were up to date prior to the furlough, missing one or two payments will not cause your loan to be in default. You can check the status of your loan by logging into My Account, selecting “TSP Loans,” and then selecting “Are my payments up to date?” Or you can call the ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778 and speak to a Participant Service Representative. 

As long as retroactive pay is approved, all missed loan payments will be submitted and posted to your loan. We will provide more information as the furlough continues or as events change.” 

Union Plus 

If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been impacted by the 2019 Federal Government shutdown, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Furlough Grant Program. 

Union Plus Credit Card: 

$300 Furlough Grant 

For eligible Union Plus Credit Cardholders2 who are furloughed or excepted due to the federal government shutdown. 

·       Must be a Union Plus Credit Cardholder for at least 3 months and in good standing on the date the federal shutdown began. 

·       Apply for a one-time grant at unionplus.org/hardship. 

Capital One’s customer assistance program offers a number of options that could help customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the federal government shutdown and can help provide personalized assistance to those in need. For help, cardholders should contact: 1-800-622-2580. 

Union Plus Mortgage: 

·       Mortgage Assistance Loan & $300 Grant: for eligible Union Plus mortgage holders who are out of work or asked to work without pay due to an involuntary furlough that lasts for at least 15 consecutive calendar days. 

o   Must be a Union Plus Mortgage holder for at least 12 months and in good standing at time of the qualifying event. 

o   Your income must be reduced by an amount equal to at least 50% of the monthly mortgage payment. 

o   Interest-free loan to cover up to 6 months of mortgage payments and a $300 grant paid directly to the member 

o   Apply for grant at unionplus.org/hardship 

·       Wells Fargo is offering assistance on case-by-case basis: members may qualify for forbearance or other payment assistance programs based on their individual circumstances. For help, members should contact: 1-888-818-9147 Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central Time Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Time  

Credit Counseling: 

·       Money Management International offers a FREE consumer credit counseling session, budget analysis, and money management advice to members. Call 1-877-833-1745  

Union Plus Life and Accident Insurance: 

·       Policyholders qualify for a payment grace period. Call 1-800-393-0864. 

Union Plus Personal Loan: 

·       First National Bank of Omaha is offering assistance on a case-by-case basis: members may qualify for fee waivers or other payment assistance programs based on their individual circumstances. For help, members should contact 1-888-283-5228 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Time.   

Union Plus Auto & Home Insurance 

·       For those not receiving a paycheck from the federal government as a result of the current shutdown, MetLife Auto & Home may grant a one-time, 30-day grace period on your payment of premium on a MetLife Auto & Home policy. Members must request this one-time allowance by calling 1-800-GET-MET8.  Certain restrictions apply, and premium remains due after delay expires.   

Union Plus Life and Accident Insurance  

·       The Hartford will offer qualified policyholders a payment grace period. For additional information, call 1-800-393-0864.    

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