NSPS Reform Cheers Federal Workers
February 6, 2008
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January 31, 2008 – Defense Department workers scored a major victory this week when President Bush signed into law the fiscal 2008 Defense Authorization Act, which includes language to fundamentally reform the Pentagon’s flawed National Security Personnel System (NSPS).
The law includes language that would restore collective bargaining and appeal rights under NSPS and exempt all wage-grade employees from NSPS.
“Our members have been in a long, tough fight to get changes made to NSPS and everyone who helped make this victory possible should be proud,” said IAM Government Employees Director Frank Carelli.
It wasn’t until Democrats took control that Congress was able to get legislation passed altering NSPS. In December, President Bush vetoed the previous authorization bill over an unrelated provision. Rather than attempt a veto override, Congress drafted a new bill without the offending Iraqi provisions.
“We are glad to see this process has finally come to an end,” said NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 President Rick Brown.,” “It has been almost two months since we learned what was in the conference report. We fought very hard for changes to NSPS, and we are happy these reforms are finally signed into law.”
