Special Sub-Topic: Federal Employment Benefits Click Here To Play: Federal Employment Benefits

Who sets the salaries of Federal white-collar workers?

the President. By law, the US President sets salaries for white-color workers, and the larger lead Federal agencies set the rates for blue-collar workers.

In addition to 'regular' within-grade step increases in pay, Federal employees get an annual pay increase in which month?

January. In January, Federal employees receive a (small) annual pay increase based on the Employment Cost Index. Employees, falling within the General Schedule (GS) pay structure, also receive within-grade step increases. These are dependent upon their starting service date and length of service.

There is more job security in Federal service. Layoffs are very rare. True or False..?

True & T. Layoffs happen, but are very rare. Downsizing does occur in some agencies, but is accomplished through attrition (retirement, voluntary departure) rather than through layoffs.

Federal employees have life insurance benefits available to them. They are able to choose from several options in a shared cost program. How much does the employee pay?

two-thirds. The employee pays two-thirds, the Government pays one-third based on group rates. Basic Life is your salary rounded to the next thousand plus {$2000.} Right now (August 2001), employees pay 16.5 cents per thousand dollars of coverage bi-weekly.

How many paid holidays do Federal employees receive?

10 days. There are currently ten Federal holidays observed in a year, which provide for several 'long weekends'! These are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

For the first three years of service, employees earn 4 hours of 'vacation time' every two weeks, or 13 days a year. After three years, this increases to 6 hours, or 20 days a year. It increases again to 8 hours, or 26 days a year, after how many years of service?

15 years. Employees are only allowed to 'carry over' 240 hours of vacation time into the next year. If an employee has saved up more than that, it must be used or it is lost!!

Federal employees also receive 'sick leave'. How many hours of 'sick leave' is accrued every two weeks?

4 hours. Employees accrue 4 hours of sick leave a pay period, which is every two weeks. This amounts to 13 days a year and does not change with length of service.

Since 1984, all Federal hires are automatically covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System ,and Social Security, and are eligible for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). An employee can voluntarily contribute up to what percent of pay to the TSP?

11 percent. In 2001, the amount was increased to 11 percent. The Government automatically contributes 1 percent of the employee's salary to the TSP, and matches amounts up to 3 percent. The Thrift Savings Plan is a good way to save!

The Federal Government is very strict about work schedules. True or False..?

False & F. The Federal Government is the leader in the design and use of flexible work schedules. Employees can choose from flexible workday programs or compressed workweek schedules. Several employees work from home or from a telecommuting center. Job-sharing programs also exist where two part-timers share one full-time position.

Which of the following statements is NOT true about Federal employment...?

The Government provides paid training to its employees, even if it's not job-related.. All training hinges on job relatedness. It must relate to the organization's mission, improving productivity, and providing quality service to the public.