Federal employees can expect a friend in the Biden administration. He has already stated his intentions to help federal agencies run more efficiently and effectively.
National Treasury Employees Union National President Tony Reardon discussed what the incoming president needs to do, how the pandemic has affected federal employees and more on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Restoring faith in federal employees
Reardon said people will see new respect for federal employees under the new administration after being called “swamp creatures” and members of “the deep state” for the past four years.
Additionally, Biden has promised to restore the National Council on Labor Relations, bringing hope to federal workers that their labor management issues will be addressed. Additionally, this will help the federal government operate more smoothly.
One of the major issues under President Trump were the executive orders he signed, which targeted federal workers. Reardon said these three 2018 orders need to be immediately thrown out.
How has the pandemic affected NTEU members
The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, including federal employees.
Reardon said many agencies have done well with allowing employees to work remotely. Despite this, some employees still have to come into the office. They have been accommodated with mask policies, social distancing setups and more.
He pointed out his belief that these workers should have been higher on the vaccine priority list. Many rely on public transportation and still have to come into the office, leaving them at a high risk of becoming infected.
Legislative agenda
The Democratic majorities will be favorable to federal employees, who have been unfairly attacked these past four years.
Reardon hopes these majorities will be able to provide robust agency budgets and provide budgets that allow employees to work safely and effectively.
Finally, he said federal employees are constantly under attack. A top priority should be a pay raise and removal of any threats to slash pay and benefits.
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