Some Federal Jobs Get New Proposed Pay Systems
The Federal Employee Compatibility Act ( FEPCA) was passed by Congress in 1990. Federal workforce employees have gained familiarity with many parts of this legislation, mainly caused by pay that has been localized, which for a large number of the federal workforce is in effect. The locality pay provides salary amounts that differ according to various locations across the country instead of having equal pay for all employees without putting into consideration their geographic location. This is well known to those following employment policies.
There is a largely unknown and never used provision in FEPCA. This provision of FEPCA in the coming year may soon become well known, seeing as it was not common knowledge in the previous years. The 2020 budget proposed by the president contains a sentence that states “In the coming year, the president pay agent intends to exercise its authority to establish special occupational systems for occupations where the general schedule classification and pay system are not aligned to labor market realities.”
Ways to improve capabilities in some areas of the federal workplace is being looked into by OPM. Jeff Pon the former director at OPM, in a memo last year wrote that OPM “Is aware that individuals with the knowledge, ability, and skill to perform in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering and cybersecurity are in heavy demand could perhaps be affecting mission-critical functions. For this reason, OPM is exploring the feasibility under the applicable law of issuing direct hire authority for certain STEM and cybersecurity occupations.”
There is an unlikelihood of implementation of a good number of initiatives coming from the Trump administration. This is because Congress will not welcome change. However, some of the initiatives do not require action from Congress. For some types of positions, OPM has already taken a step and authorized direct hire authority. The authority is also responsible for creating special pay rates to have the ability to fill these positions.
