FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2002

Contact: Eldon Girdner (202) 606-2402

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OPM Director James Reiterates Administration
Commitment to Homeland Security Priorities  

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Responds to AFGE Report

Washington, D.C. – The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) responded to today’s report from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) which claims, among other things, that the Administration is seeking to eliminate title 5 civil service protections for employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kay Coles James, Director of OPM stated, “The truth is that President Bush supports legislation for DHS which specifically reaffirms title 5 protections currently provided to the Federal workforce. They include all merit system principles such as whistleblower protection and veterans’ preference.” 

James continued, “As the Senate begins debate on the historic measure to establish the new Department, it is important for all of us to stick to the facts and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. I am disappointed that AFGE has resorted to misrepresentation and distortion of the Administration’s position over a policy issue which can be resolved through honest debate. The AFGE report issued today demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of the proposed Homeland Security legislation and indeed existing Federal law. It provides misinformation and glaring inaccuracies about the President’s vision to protect America by creating a unified and effective Department of Homeland Security.” 

Another error cited by OPM is the AFGE claim that there currently exists ‘maximum flexibility’ in personnel matters. The union’s own argument runs counter to their support of Senator Lieberman’s (D-CT) bill – which while significantly limited in scope – extends to the DHS Secretary additional flexibilities.  

The OPM report (Human Resources Flexibilities and Authorities in the Federal Government), cited by AFGE, was written at a time when no one contemplated the establishment of a new Department. “That report,” James added, “is absolutely accurate under normal operations, but we are dealing now with the combining of 22 existing components of Government, 17 separate unions, and 7 different pay roll systems. The Secretary of Homeland Security must have the flexibility to effectively merge all this into a focused, unified workforce. Neither current law nor Senator Lieberman’s bill provide the Department with any authority to integrate the incoming components into a cohesive unit.” 

While the Administration is seeking some civil service reforms, contrary to AFGE assertions, major issues such as collective bargaining rights are actually enhanced by legislation passed by the House of Representatives. That legislation guarantees those rights when employees are transferred to DHS.

“I do agree with my friend, Bobby Harnage, when he states, ‘Before, during, and since September 11, unionized federal workers perform heroically every day...’   I would add that Federal employees, both union and non-union, are to be praised for their sense of duty in working for America. It will be the dedicated actions of these public servants who will protect America against terrorism at DHS. As I’ve said all along, this is about reforming an antiquated system, not questioning the abilities or patriotism of Federal workers. 

James concluded, “President Bush has stated from the outset of this process that he intends to make the creation of DHS a collaborative effort that incorporates the views and interests of all prominent stakeholders. We will be moving 170,000 of our finest public servants to DHS. Our responsibility to these dedicated men and women – who secure our borders, protect our transportation systems, investigate terrorist organizations, respond to emergencies, and protect us against biological agents – is to give them an organization that is as focused and committed to protecting our homeland as they are.” 

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.