Latest News
May 20, 2025:
​The House Rules Committee will meet TOMORROW — May 21st at 1:00 AM in Room H-313 of the U.S. Capitol.
They’re literally doing this while the country sleeps. Just wild.
We remain hopeful & are continuing to be loud in order to save the retirement & other benefits you signed up for in return for what is already a thankless job.
Keep making calls. It takes us all.
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May 19, 2025:
​🚨🚨🚨🚨
Last night the House Budget Committee did advance the Republican reconciliation bill after several conservatives agreed to vote present instead of no. Also a new text was released. Of note:
The new bill drops original Sec. 90001 that would have raised FERS for pre-2013 employees to 4.4% (a 3.6% pay cut). This is a significant improvement that removes most of the $50B cost savings from the original.
The other sections affecting FERS unfortunately remain, including high-5 instead of high-3 (average pension cut of 3%) and even more harmfully, the provision charging new employees 9.4% unless they agree to forfeit their appeal rights and become at-will. Employees could not grieve removals in any forum. Not only will that destroy the civil service over time but it will undermine a key part of joining a union for future employees. Congressional Budget Office estimates that three-quarters of new employees would opt to be at will.
This is not the last word however – a manager’s amendment is still being negotiated and many issues with the overall bill are unresolved. We should continue our aggressive outreach to Republican moderates to drop all the FERS related provisions. The remaining provisions only save about $10 billion over 10 years (compared to $50 billion in the prior bill) – so it is very little benefit for the GOP’s tax-cutting goals.
Here is the House summary of changes (fed worker sections are in Section 90001 and following):
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May 16, 2025:
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
"Be advised, today all BOP management officials were given direction from DOJ to resume following all aspects of the Master Agreement, including grievance process, negotiations, committees and dues deduction." (For those on e-dues, you will remain that way. We haves alreadyy submitted the necessary paperwork to prevent a double payment)
LETS GOOOO!
The fight is FAR from over, but we are back in it!
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May 14, 2025:
I am in DC representing the South Central Region this week. One major accomplishment, we had a very productive meeting with Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, where we raised several critical concerns:
Executive Order 14251, issued on March 27th, has undermined the protections and security of Federal Officers nationwide.
a. Our primary concern lies with section 1-499(a), which states: “the immediate, local employing offices of any agency police officers, security guards, or firefighters, provided that this exclusion does not apply to the Bureau of Prisons.” This language creates ambiguity and inconsistency for our members.
b. Federal correctional officers are law enforcement professionals and deserve the same collective bargaining protections as police and firefighters. Anything less is unacceptable.
c. The risks associated with our work are growing. Allowing different labor protections for team members weakens cohesion and jeopardizes safety. We need unified protections to ensure the well-being of everyone—not just individuals.
We also addressed the ongoing staffing crisis, retention challenges, and the increasing problem of drugs entering prisons through the mail.
Overall, the meeting was very positive. We are committed to building a strong coalition to oppose Executive Order 14251 and to advocate for the rights and safety of Federal Officers.
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Here are a few pictures from our visits.
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May 9, 2025: Trump Must Halt Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers, Judge Rules
May 8, 2025:
What do you do when you want to privatize?
You conduct mass layoffs, determine the Agency can no longer do their jobs, then sole source a contract to the folks who contributed to your campaign.
We call it smoke & mirrors!
OPM quietly awards large HR management contract to Workday
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May 3, 2025:
The Fraternal Order of Police National President wrote a letter to Congressional leaders defending your retirement. The letter request that all Federal law enforcement officer be exempt from the proposed pension cuts.
May 2, 2025: 📺Tune in!
House Judiciary Sub-Committee Hearing:
Federal Corrections in Focus: Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons
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April 30, 2025:
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, approved a legislative package that proposes some of the most significant changes to federal employee benefits and job protections since the 70’s.
Federal employees hired before 2014 would be required to contribute 4.4% of their basic pay toward the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a change from previous exemptions.
New federal hires would face a choice, either waive their civil service protections and become at-will employees or pay an additional 5% (totaling 9.4%) of their basic pay toward their FERS annuity to retain those protections. This is meant to kill the union through a slow death.
The formula for calculating pensions would change from the highest average salary over three years to the highest average over five years, effectively reducing pension amounts.
Shifting the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to a voucher system and eliminating FEHB benefits for new hires after retirement.
What’s Next?
The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration. While it has passed the committee stage, its future depends on broader congressional support and potential negotiations.
April 27, 2025:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Protect Federal Law Enforcement Benefits
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wrote a letter for the Action Network letter campaign: Protect Federal Law Enforcement Benefits.
To let your representatives hear from you regarding your retirement benefits being targeted.
Can you join me and write a letter? Click here: https://actionnetwork.org/.../protect-federal-law...&
Thanks!
April 25, 2025:
🚨🚨🚨🚨
I do not know that this will happen, but we have heard that EOPF will go offline for a few days in May.
*This HAS already happened at other agencies, so better safe than sorry.
It is of the upmost importance you download your whole EOPF file ASAP to protect your records from being lost or altered. Again, this HAS happened at other agencies (loss of records, missing records, ect.)
Here’s a, step-by-step guide:
How to Download and Save Your Entire eOPF (Electronic Official Personnel Folder)
Many employees don’t realize that you can easily download your full eOPF for safekeeping. The eOPF system doesn’t make the process very obvious, so here’s a simple guide to help you do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Log in to the correct eOPF portal for your agency.
2. Click the “My eOPF” tab on the sidebar.
3. At the top, click “My eOPF Print Folder.”
4. Click “Select All” to choose all documents.
5. Click one of the Print buttons.
6. Click the “My eOPF Print Status” tab at the top.
o 6a. Wait for the system to process your print request. This might take a while, especially if your file is large.
o 6b. While waiting, read the instructions on the page about what your PDF password will be, and write it down.
7. When your file is ready, click “View” in the Action box.
8. Save the file as a PDF to your computer.
9. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and enter the password.
You now have your entire eOPF in PDF form.
Keep your records.
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April 17, 2025: Budget Outline Clears Way for Move to Reduce Value of Federal Workforce Benefits
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨Updated: The House and Senate have now approved a budget outline that clears the way for a separate bill that by all indications will seek to reduce the value of federal employee retirement, health insurance and other benefits.
The House last week on a party-line vote accepted the Senate version of a budget “resolution” setting overall tax and spending goals through 2034; that is an internal congressional working measure that does not have the force of law. While some House Republicans had opposed the measure on grounds that it did not seek spending restrictions as severe as in an earlier House-passed version, they ultimately voted for it as needed to start the next stage, called reconciliation.
A reconciliation bill, which would have the force of law, requires only a simple majority vote in the Senate rather than the 60-vote threshold needed there for most major legislation.
The budget resolution orders a number of congressional committees to report by May 9 on their recommendations for cutting spending from assumed baseline levels to be included in the reconciliation bill. For the House Oversight and Reform Committee, the goal is $50 billion in savings. Because that committee has little jurisdiction over spending other than on the federal workforce, the panel would have to look there for most if not all of that savings target.
In a budget document that has been circulating among Capitol Hill Republicans, the highest-value option—$44 billion over 10 years—would to require all FERS employees to contribute 4.4 percent of salary toward their retirement benefits. Currently, that contribution is 0.8 percent for those hired before 2013, 1.3 percent for those hired in 2013 and 4.4 percent for those hired since that year:
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April 16, 2025: New DOJ Policy Cracks Down on Social Media Posts
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April 15, 2025: AFL-CIO, Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Cuts to Key Labor Relations Agency
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April 15, 2025:
While I do not know why anyone would need any more reason to join their Union right now (We are fighting to maintain your retirement, safer working conditions, higher pay band, fighting an EO that ends so many of your rights), let me educate you on other reasons you should sign up:
https://www.benefitarchitects.com/union
Did you know that you will not be able to afford the Bureau's life insurance policy in retirement? Did you know that you will have paid for that policy and have nothing to show for it when you have to terminate it at retirement in order to afford to live?
Union members qualify for many benefits that non-members do not. One of the most important being a MUCH more affordable term life insurance policy that NEVER increases in cost than the day you lock it in. What does that mean? You will qualify for the same and/or additional coverage, at a cheaper rate ($21 for me) a PP, that will never increase in cost, not even when you retire. If you decide to cancel your policy at any time, you get the money you paid in, back in your pocket.
All of the policies available to you, protect you and your family and are SO worth the low cost.
Our Representative is Buddy Murk:
210-834-6875; buddymurk@gmail.com
Give him a shout and let him provide individualized quotes for your specific needs. You will save your dues money with one policy swap.
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April 11, 2025: Dispute over Union Order Grows as Agencies Prepare RIF, Reorganization Plans
As I've explained prior, this is one major reason as to why they are after our contract:
"The status of contracts is a key issue to carrying out those plans, since contracts commonly contain provisions meant to give employees additional protections, such as additional advance notice before implementing a RIF, giving hiring preferences to qualified employees, providing training to help impacted employees meet requirements of a new position, and granting preference for a return to specific locations or positions."
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April 10, 2025: Trump announces new BOP Director
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April 10, 2025: Changes are happening at a rapid pace, please bare with us!
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April 10, 2025: Per Central Office, Via National:
Moving forward there would only be TOAs, no cash awards or QSIs this year.
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April 10, 2025: House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill as Speaker Johnson postpones vote
The budget resolution includes proposals that would seriously hurt federal workers & retirees.
It would:
-Shift more health care costs to us by turning FEHB into a voucher system that won’t keep up with rising premiums,
-Raise FERS retirement contributions to 4.4% for everyone—with no added benefit (up from 0.8% for many of us),
-Eliminate the FERS annuity supplement for Federal Law Enforcement and those retiring before 62,
-And calculate future pensions using a high-5 average salary instead of high-3, which means smaller retirement checks.
This is a direct hit to our pay, benefits, and future security.
House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill as Speaker Johnson postpones vote:
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April 9, 2025: Trump administration ends union dues collection for most feds without notice
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April 9, 2025:
BOP Reduction in Force Plans
4/9/2025
News across the federal government is buzzing with rumors and speculation in anticipation of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) release of its plan to reduce the overall size of the Federal government. This effort stems from the Presidential Executive Order (EO), “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” signed March 14, 2025. Per the EO, BOP and the Department of Justice (DOJ) were required to submit proposed plans to OPM for their consideration as part of the overall government-wide initiative.
The Human Resource Management Division is working with the Director’s office, DOJ and OPM to respond to data calls related to the EO. Once DOJ provides an update of the approved agency plan, we will share plans that impact BOP to ensure compliance with the directive.
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April 7, 2025:
CPL is offering a $50 rebate to any member who swaps to E-Dues. The local doesn’t need to take any action, AFGE will handle everything and send the rebate checks directly to the members. The rebates will be backdated to include those who signed up since *Election Day*. Turn around time is approximately 5 weeks.
**Please ensure your contact information is correct in your AFGE account. Don't know how? Call us!
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April 4, 2025: 🚨🚨🚨
Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Move to Bust Federal Employee Unions
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March 31, 2025:
In what could possibly be our last Arbitration, Local 3809 went to battle for one of our own & came out on top yet again.
I can not imagine what will happen to staff, when a simple mistake is made, should we not be able to maintain our contract.
Make your calls. Stand up for one another. Be loud. Resist.
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March 29, 2025:
Good afternoon,
As I am sure you know by now Thursday evening President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. The goal of this Executive Order was to exempt any Agency which is involved in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative or national security work from the provisions of Chapter 5 United States Code, Title 71, the Labor-Management Relations statute. The Statue is where we gain our rights to collectively bargain, form a Union, and establish our Master Agreement. Being excluded from the Statue removes our representational rights and any other right established under Chapter 71.
The Office of Personnel Management issued an accompanying guidance memorandum to the Executive Order that further clarified the direction of the Executive Order. These clarifications include strengthening and streamlining the processes that the Agencies can fire employees, end participation in all grievance procedures, disregard negotiated contracts in regard to Reduction in Force, end the practice of Unions using Agency offices and equipment, and end dues collection by payroll deduction.
Yesterday, the Trump Administration sued the AFGE as well as individual councils, including the Council of Prison Locals, to invalidate the labor contracts of the Agencies named in the Executive Order. The lawsuit was filed in the Waco, TX District Court. The selection of the Waco court was strategically placed as there is only one judge, with the perception of being more likely to rule in favor of the current Administration and Agencies.
Make no mistake, this is not about national security. This Executive Order is intended to dismantle what we have fought tirelessly to build. It is meant to silence us and break our ability to advocate for the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday walking through the prison gates in the service of the American people. This is a calculated and unprecedented assault on the rights, protections, and voice of federal correctional workers. However, shocking as this attack is, we cannot allow ourselves to fall into despair. Our rights were not granted to us, they were earned through the recognition that America is stronger when its workforce has a voice and that is a foundation that cannot be broken with the stroke of a pen.
We know this raises serious questions about legality, implementation, and what comes next. I want you to know we along with AFGE are already moving. Our union is fully engaged, and we are preparing a multifront response through legal action, legislative pressure, and collective action. I will keep you updated as information progresses.
As you can probably imagine, this type of legal fight does not come cheap. The ending of the dues collection by payroll deduction adds an extra level of difficulty. We need each
and every member to sign up for E-Dues. E-dues will be the only way we have to continue to fuel this fight. And we will fight to the end.
Lastly, we need for each and every one of you to contact as many Congressional representatives as you possibly can and urge them to oppose the Trump Administration in this tyrannical attack on dedicated civil servants. The only language most of these representatives understand is VOTES. We have to let them know the amount of voters that are federal civil servants.
I have attached below the congressional letter from the council as well as information on E-Dues. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need help or havee questions.
Check out our website at www.afge.org
AFGE Council 33
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February 26, 2025:
6 federal workers get their jobs back in 1st successful challenge to Trump's firings
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February 25, 20025:
Letter from National President Moore
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February 25, 2025:
🚨Pressure is a privledge. If there is no pressure on you, are you really even that relevant?
We understand that many staff are overwhelmed with the speed at which change and guidance is coming at them, coupled with the strange avenues being used. Federal Prison is not a place that is conducive to what feels to some like chaos.
However, letting all of this cause you stress at the local level will not serve you any purpose. If you want to be heard, contact your representatives & voice your concerns. If you would rather email them, reach out to us and we will provide you with the best addresses.
Please know local's & above are working day & night to protect your salary, benefits & rights. Some things will have to shake out & unravel (like today) before we know where & how to fight.
Stay bold. Stay strong. Stay focused. Keep the faith. We will get through it all together!
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February 25, 2025:
🚨Incentive Removal🚨
February 24, 2025:
DOGE will use AI to assess the responses of federal workers who were told to justify their jobs via email
February 24, 2025:
Oversight agency finds Trump’s federal worker firings unlawful, asks for some employees to be reinstated
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​February 24, 2025:
Stand down. No response.
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February 22, 2025:
****Urgent****
There was a tweet from Elon Musk earlier today saying all federal employees would receive an email via their government email "requesting to understand what they did last week". I have confirmed these emails have started going out asking for "5 bullets of what you accomplished last week' and gives a deadline of Monday at 11:59 pm est.
I have been in contact with Central Office who has reached out to DOJ for guidance. I will update as soon as possible on their response. The agency will also be sending something out shortly along the same lines.
At this time, our suggestion is not to respond immediately until we can gain some clarity. If you or your members feel the need to respond please DO NOT release any information that could jeopardize security. I would also suggest pulling info from your PD. Please feel free to share this with your members.
I have also discussed with Central Office people on leave and on compressed days off. They are in the process of pulling that information and looking for ways to address it.
I am not telling anyone not to respond, we are just trying to gain more clarity before people do respond.
P.S. If you have not sent an approval email to have your membership loaded in Broad Stripes this would be a great example of what we will be using it for.
Thank you
Brandy Moore-White
National President
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February 22, 2025: Please await guidance from your Agency-
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February 22, 2025:
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.
Program information, detailed instructions, and a link to the application can be found here:
https://feea.org/our-programs/scholarships/.
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February 21, 2025: FCI Ray Brook employee hospitalized after exposure
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February 21, 2025:
ALL FED STAFF, as well as friends, family and community, please click the link and ask Congress to leave our retirement benefits alone!
It is being proposed to increase what you pay in to 4.4%, high 3 will move to high 5, and the bridge for all LEO would be eliminated!
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February 21, 2025:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 2:00 PM
Oversight Hearing – Federal Bureau of Prisons
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February 19, 2025: Federal judge reinstates employee appeals board member fired by Trump
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February 19, 2025: House Budget Plan May Put Federal Employee Benefits on Table for Cuts
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February 19, 2025: Frequently asked questions on the Rights of Probationary Employees
February 19, 2025: Judge bars firing of intelligence officers working on DEI issues
February 17, 2025: Bureau Of Prisons Executives Announce Retirement Ahead Of New Director
February 16, 2025: Trump administration turning these prisons into ICE lockups, leaked memo shows
February 16. 2025: Males detained by ICE to be housed in federal prisons, new memo says
February 15, 2025: The Trump DOJ is ready for the Supreme Court to overturn this 90-year-old precedent
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February 14, 2025: Prepare for a lengthy one!
Democrats vow hardball in shutdown fight: ‘I’m not a cheap date’
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February 12, 2025: Trump fires one-third of federal employee appeals board
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February 11, 2025: The ousted director of federal prison contests her firing, citing civil service rules.
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February 11, 2025: AFGE Local 4070 Applauds Rep. Bacon for Introducing the Marc Fischer Memorial Act - Fentanyl in Mail
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February 10, 2025: Trump administration orders federal agencies to provide lists of underperforming employees
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February 6, 2025: Judge temporarily blocks Trump's federal government employee buyout
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February 1, 2025: ****This does not affect us!
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January 31, 2025: 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
As much uncertainty has been injected into governments employment, we are asking ALL probationary staff to immediately print their entire eOPF file and maintain these records. We will keep everyone updated as things progress, but we want to ensure staff have all documents that can assist in this process in the event of any adverse action.
Thank you!
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January 31, 2025:
Good afternoon,
I just wanted to reach out and give as much as of an update as I have.
I know there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the "deferred resignation" email/information being put out. I just got word that all "primary law enforcement" positions do NOT qualify for the deferral. The secondary law enforcement positions do qualify. A message from the agency saying that should be posted soon indicating the same.
Thank you,
Brandy Moore-White
​
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January 31, 2025:
🎣Don't Bite!
From: HR <hr@opm.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 7:22 PM
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fork in the Road FAQs
We have received a number of questions regarding the deferred resignation program. Below are our top FAQs:
Q: Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period?
A: No.
Q: Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.
Q: Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?
A: Yes. You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.
Q: Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?
A: You are most welcome stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.
Reminder that the deferred resignation program is available until Thursday, February 6.
Additional FAQ’s and instructions on accepting deferred resignation can be found on the OPM website by navigating to “Fork” from the top menu.
I repeat, DO NOT BITE!
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January 30, 2025:
FAQ OPM's Deferred Resignation Program
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January 29, 2025:
A message from National Council President Brandy Fisher White concerning the email that went out this afternoon.
“I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out for a few reasons, but mainly because an email was sent out today in reference to resigning from your positions in federal service or a "buy out" of sorts. We are currently trying to get clarification on several things including to see if BOP even qualifies to receive this offer. Furthermore, I am being told Congress has questions about the funding of these buy-outs. Please do not make any split decisions until further information is provided.“
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January 27, 2025:
FEEA’s 2025 Scholarship Program
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January 24, 2025:
Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directive Expanding Immigration Law Enforcement to Some Department of Justice Officials
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January 21, 2025:
Federal Worker Union Sues Trump Over Ending Job Protections
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January 21, 2025:
Bureau Of Prisons Director Colette Peters Out On Trump’s First Day
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January 1, 2025:
Jan 9, Day of Mourning OPM Guidance:
For pay and leave purposes, this time will be treated as a holiday under applicable statutes and Executive orders. Most employees excused from work due to the President’s Executive order will receive their regular basic pay, as if they had worked that day.
If an employee had already scheduled annual leave for January 9, 2025 (or the corresponding in-lieu day), they will not be charged for that leave or any other type of paid leave (e.g., compensatory time off or credit hours).
Employees required to work non-overtime hours on January 9, 2025 (or the applicable in-lieu day) are eligible for holiday premium pay as specified under 5 U.S.C. 5546(b).
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December 25, 2025:
Season’s greetings from our families to yours.
This is a time to gather with loved ones, look back on the year, and give thanks for all we have. But as we celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to recognize the brave public safety professionals who won’t have that luxury.
While most of us will be spending the holidays with our families, thousands of Federal Law Enforcement Officers, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Military personnel, and other first responders throughout our Country will miss celebrations with their loved ones.
They will be on duty, fulfilling their responsibility to keep the public safe.
As we travel to visit family, police officers and firefighters are responding to emergencies, as we sit down to Christmas dinner, the staff inside our prisons are serving dinner to inmates and 911 dispatchers are fielding emergency calls.
Please take a moment to remember those working over the holidays. Their sacrifice and service to our communities allows us to enjoy the holidays in peace.
The holidays can also be a grueling time for those suffering from depression and stress. The holidays are supposed to be a “happy” time, so when that is not the case, these issues can become exacerbated.
Because law enforcement and corrections workers face higher instances of posttraumatic stress disorder and other work-related mental fatigue, this can be an unfortunately difficult time of year. Please know if this is you, we will answer your calls 24/7 and welcome you here with our family.
Thank you for all that you do.
In Solidarity,
Local 3809
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December 21, 2024:
Congress passed and the President just signed the CR. Keeping the shutdown from lasting more then a few hours. Funding with the CR will last for 3 months. We'll see what the budget 🎪 brings us then.
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December 19, 2024:
All,
As we all wait to see if Congress will finalize a continuing resolution for funding the government, to include our agency, we wanted to post some answers to FAQs in the event of a shutdown. If after midnight Friday night, a CR is not passed, we will be "shutdown".
The staff at our institution are considered "excepted" employees, therefore we will not be furloughed during a shutdown, but are expected to come to work as normal.
Your payperiod 24 check that you will recieve this weekend will be the normal amount you receive. If the shutdown were to continue beyond January 4th, your pay period 25 check would only be for the 1st week of that pay period. If a CR is passed before that date, then there will be no change to our pay. Historically, Congress has approved that any staff missing pay during a shutdown will be given backpay. This is not ever a guarantee, but it has been the norm.
We also wanted to ensure you all that we, along with our Community, are standing by ready to activate as many resources for our staff as were available last shutdown. If there are any questions not covered in the FAQs we are adding here, please reach out to us.
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December 18, 2024: Rep. Stauber letter to Director Peters on closure of FPC Duluth
December 18, 2024:
As of now, it looks like there should be a vote for a new CR (continuing resolution) that would go until March.
The vote is currently scheduled for Friday in the House and then the Senate would need to pass the bill the same day.
Congress strikes deal to avert government shutdown
December 13, 2024:
The MERIT Act would make significant changes to how federal agencies manage employee performance and conduct by changing employee protections and rights:
Once an agency determines there is sufficient evidence of misconduct or poor performance, they must issue a decision to remove the employee within 15 days.
Agencies would no longer need to provide a performance improvement plan (PIP) before initiating removal.
Employees would no longer be able to file union grievances for adverse personnel actions (e.g., disciplinary actions). Instead, they would need to appeal directly to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
Employees could not appeal furlough decisions.
The probationary period for federal employees would be extended from one year to two years.
Federal employees could be more easily removed under new House bill
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December 10, 2024: Letter from National President Brandy Moore White on recent facility closures
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December 10, 2024: AFGE Letter in support of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​November 22, 2024: Trump expected to tap Schedule F architect promising widespread federal layoffs to head OMB
"Vought said he wants to put federal employees “in trauma” to the point they no longer want to go to work. We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected,” he said. “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains."
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OPM reminds agencies to grant feds leave to vote
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🚨🚨Special Meeting Will be held on October 14, 2024 at 4:30pm in the Union Hall. Posting for the meeting 🚨🚨
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April 21, 2024:
Pray for our Dublin staff & their families- Another example of the lengths the UNION must go to at times to help our staff when the Agency disregards your well-being!
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April 21, 2024: This is a snippet from a Federal court transcript where the AUSA makes formal record of the Agency's refusal to provide legal representation to individual staff. (this is in a civil case). Most bargaining staff are listed as individuals even when they are acting in the scope of their duties, ie; the Agency will not help you.
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April 19, 2024: Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act Please Sign and Share
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April 17, 2024: Closure of troubled California prison won’t happen before each inmate’s status is reviewed
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April 16, 2024: FCI Dublin closing, women transferred to prisons across U.S.
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April 8, 2024:
Huge thank you to National & all others involved in negotiations:
The long awaited Unit Managment Manual has been published by the agency. Please ensure each local reviews the manual and invokes on all bargaining topics covered. As mentioned previously, many topics have been changed through national negotiations that the union believes will best support our bargaining unit employees. As all in Unit Team know, every institution has differences in operations due to unique missions, and the new manual gives locals the ability to fine tune things to fit the facility needs. It is vital for all locals to utilize these rights and ensure your Unit Team staff have localized procedures within the manual that works best for them.
I have to say I am very proud of all the unionists involved in these policy negotiations and beyond (to include dealing with the agency failing to publish timely and attempting to make many changes to the final agreement). We held firm, and I believe we got a great policy out, and opened up the rights of the locals within the process and addressed many things that have been an issue for Unit Team for quite some time.
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March 12, 2024:
Take a moment to educate yourselves on the written statements presented to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on "The Nation’s Correctional Staffing Crisis: Assessing the Toll on Correctional Officers and Incarcerated Persons" held on February 28, 2024.
When contacting your representatives this will help you with the words needed to publicly shed light on the pay, staffing, and wellness issues impacting our correctional staff. We have to have one unified voice from top to bottom on this if we are going to win this fight.
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March 2, 2024:
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March 2, 2024:
It's that time of the year again - yearly evaluations.
**Evaluations are especially important at facilities with retentions.
Stay vigilant for these important requirements:
Are supervisors failing to issue evaluations, performance log entries, and/or performance standards in a timely manner?
Are supervisors neglecting in-person meetings with employees when issuing evaluations, performance log entries, and/or performance standards?
Are raters failing to utilize and document input from employees' direct supervisors during evaluations and performance log entries?
Are performance log entries lacking specific examples of conduct?
Are annual ratings not aligning with the quarterly performance log entries?
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February 28, 2024: The director and IG will be testifying before Congress today at 10 am est on the inmate deaths in our federal prisons. Our National President as well as 4 other individuals will be testifying in a hearing this afternoon regarding our staffing at 2:30 pm est.
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February 22, 2024: Expect change...
Federal prison employees falsified logs in case where inmate committed suicide, IG says
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February 21, 2024:
FULL SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE:
Examining and Preventing Deaths of Incarcerated Individuals in Federal Prisons
Type: Full Committee Hearing
Date: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
Time: 10:00am
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February 20, 2024:
Introducing Senate Bill 3771 - the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly ACT.
We urge you to click on the link above and share this important legislation with your local community and family. Let's work together to ensure our staff receive the fair compensation they deserve.
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February 15, 2024: Fired Oregon corrections manager wins nearly $1M in retaliation claim.
"The two cases center on the same two department leaders: Former Director Colette Peters, who now serves as director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Heidi Steward, a longtime corrections administrator who remains on the agency’s executive team."
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February 15, 2024: Reps. Obernolte, Chu, Weber, and Carbajal introduce legislation to address prison understaffing.
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February 10, 2024: This is an update on legislation affecting BOP staff.
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February 9, 2024:
"Congress can do its part to position the Bureau of Prisons for success by passing legislation to make the agency director a Senate-confirmed position — ensuring direct accountability to Congress — and increasing independent oversight of the agency. This legislation has been introduced in the House and the Senate with bipartisan support — an encouraging sign that real change is possible." Article from The Hill
Necessary oversight just might finally be on the horizon! Do your part & make your calls / send your letters!
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February 9, 2024: The companion bill for H.R. 3199 "Pay Our Correctional Officer Fairly Act", has been introduced in the Senate. Want better pay? Make your calls, send your letters!
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February 7, 2024: Thomson prison workers push for federal protections.
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February 7, 2024: Gang member found guilty in assault on correctional officer
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February 6, 2024: Post from the Fraternal Order of Police
“The White House referred ABC News to the Justice Department.”
Is that the same as a no comment to the crisis occurring in the federal prisons ? Burying your head in the sand will no longer work Mr President. Our criminal justice system, the foundation of our great country is crumbling!
February 3, 2024: Federal Prisons Haven’t Addressed Longstanding Concerns About Overuse of Solitary Confinement
February 3, 2024: Bureau of Prisons union leader asks Biden 'to prioritize and address' staffing.
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January 29, 2024: Message from Eric Williams Parents
January 28, 2024: It's a good thing the Agency higher ups aren't conducting our official counts! BOP is on 60 mins!
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January 27, 2024:
🚨🚨Want a higher pay band FCI BIG SPRING?
Do YOUR part! Click the link, fill out, send... & make YOUR calls daily!! Help us help you! Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act
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January 23, 2024: National Legislative Update
January 18, 2024: Congress passes short-term funding extension, averting government shutdown. The DOJ/BOP deadline for funding was February 2, 2024. With this new CR, we are funded through March 8, 2024.
January 2, 2024: Biden finalizes 2024 federal pay raise for civilian employees. This is the new Rest of the US pay table for 2024 that will begin pay period 1 of 2024. RUS 2024
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November 16, 2023:
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November 14, 2023:
House passes bill to avert government shutdown, Speaker Johnson notches first big legislative win. The bill will now go to the Senate. If passed, the President has said he will sign.
November 13, 2023:
We are nearing the possibility of a government shutdown again. As of now, unless something is done, funding will need to by approved by midnight on Friday 11/17/2023. Currently the House of Representatives is trying to find a way to pass a CR.
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November 7, 2023:
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November 3, 2023:
The possibilities of a government shutdown are still very real. AFGE has some information at http://www.afge.org/stoptheshutdown for members as well as
https://www.afge.org/.../stop.../member-impact-testimonials/
November 2, 2023:
2024/2025 Local 3809 Executive board
President: Paula Chavez
1st Vice Pres: Chris McGee
2nd Vice Pres: Rudy Brito
Chief Steward: Kaegan Hunt
Sergeant at Arms: Heath Cowan
Fair Practices: Eric Barton
Secretary/Treasurer: Ricky Creswell
October 22, 2023:
In just FOUR WEEKS we are facing another potential government shutdown.
Tell Congress to pass government funding and prevent a shutdown. Lawmakers need to do their jobs, so you can do yours.
Call Congress daily (855) 222-9093.
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September 30, 2023:
We have a 45 day reprieve folks! Stop gap passed 88-9 in the Senate. If you are one of those who hasn't been able to plan for this occurring, or just didn't know to, between now and November, work OT & set as much back as you can!
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September 30, 2023:
Turn of events...Now to the Senate: House sends bipartisan bill to avert government shutdown to the Senate hours ahead of deadline
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September 30, 2023:
Shutdown Update:
The â€House‬ passed three appropriations bills and failed to pass a fourth:
The â€House‬ considered and rejected â€H.R. 5525‬, the “Spending Reduction and Border Security Act,” on a â€198-232 vote‬. The legislation would have funded the operation of the Federal government through 31 October. It now seems certain there will be a partial government shutdown. H.R. 4365â€, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act,” was passed ‬ on a†218-210 vote‬;
H.R. 4367â€, the “Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act,” ‬ was passed on a â€220-208 vote‬; H.R. 4368â€, the “Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug‬ Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” was defeated
on a â€191-237 vote‬; and H.R. 4665â€, the “Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related‬ Programs Appropriations Act,” passed on a†216-212 vote‬. The â€Senate‬ passed the motion to proceed to the consideration of†H.R. 3935‬, which temporarily reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and serves as the
legislative vehicle for a continuing resolution that would fund the government through 17 November. It is unknown when debate on the measure will begin, but it seems certain that the Federal government will shut down on October 1st. We are working with local community members in preparing to assist you through this difficult time. On behalf of the Local, thank you in advance for your dedicated service to the American public.
Paula
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September 29, 2023:
FYI- Important Veteran information in case of a government shutdown:
-Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
-VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
-VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
-The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
-VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
-VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
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September 28, 2023: Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs: Leave is Section F.
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September 27, 2023: Government shutdown would be 'devastating' for Bureau of Prisons employees
September 27, 2023: Shutdown update:
Senate-authored stopgap faces tight timeline:
Senate leaders have unveiled a stopgap spending measure with dwindling time to pass it and avoid a partial government shutdown.
The continuing resolution would extend current funding levels through Nov. 17 and provide scaled-down emergency aid to Ukraine and victims of natural disasters.
The CR cleared a key procedural hurdle Tuesday evening when senators voted 77-19 to limit debate on a motion to proceed to the shell vehicle (HR 3935).
The bill's enactment by Saturday would dodge a partial government shutdown otherwise set to begin with the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.
(But the odds appear increasingly slim)
Without the consent of all senators to speed up the clock, procedural hurdles could drag out a final vote in the Senate into the weekend. Plus, some Republicans have signaled battles ahead over Ukraine aid, disaster relief and border security measures that could further slow down the CR. (Source-CQ Morning Briefing)
The Senate stopgap would still have to be passed in the House.
Meanwhile in the House:
House tees up votes on four spending bills, but not stopgap.
House Republicans have set up a busy week in which the chamber is set to consider four separate spending measures, not including a bill needed this week to stop a partial government shutdown.
After several tries to get the fiscal 2024 Defense appropriations bill (HR 4365) on the floor, the House adopted a rule (H Res 723) to take up that legislation plus three others -- Homeland Security (HR 4367), Agriculture (HR 4368) and State-Foreign Operations (HR 4665).
After the rule vote, the House wasted no time getting started with debate and amendments related to the Agriculture bill, the first of the four in the queue this week. (Source-CQ Morning Briefing)
There are 12 Spending Measures that need to be passed to keep the government open, so things are looking tight. Right now I would expect to Shutdown, hopefully it will be short or just for the weekend, but be prepared for the long haul.
We are the pawns in all this and are working to get things lined out to provide you all the support you need to get through this should it drag out. Details will be forthcoming. We've done this successfully before. One team.