Inside Government

John Gage, Johnnie Walker, Don Hale

AFGE — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President John Gage will update members on the state of the union this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio program.

Gage will address of number of key issues facing federal workers including collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers, critical staffing shortages at the Bureau of Prisons, the fight to protect government workers from the H1N1 virus, labor/management relations, and health care reform.

AFGE D.C. Local 383 President Johnnie Walker then will discuss his Local’s efforts to prevent the elimination of critical District of Columbia government services including those provided by the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration.

Lastly, AFGE DEFCON Chair Don Hale will detail AFGE’s fight to stop the contracting out of hundreds of jobs at of United States Military Academy at West Point. Hale will discuss the Government Accountability Office decision to uphold AFGE’s protest of the Army’s privatization plans, which would have impacted more than 500 jobs.

Mark Gibson, Elijah Cummings, Donna Edwards, and Antoine Orr

AFGE — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

The elimination of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) from the House’s 2010 Defense authorization bill will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio program.

AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Mark Gibson, who for years has fought to prevent the implementation of NSPS, will discuss what’s next for employees impacted by the pay-for-performance system. Gibson also will reflect on AFGE’s work to defend the rights of all civilian Defense workers.

Listeners will hear from U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.), who attended the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Cummings will talk about his efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers and Edwards will discuss the need to keep inherently governmental work in house.

Lastly, Antoine Orr, financial planner and author of “Inside the Huddle: Don’t Plan Your Future Without It,” will share his thoughts on retirement planning in a changing financial world.

Patricia McGinnis, Rob Moore, and Perry Pidgeon Hooks

AFGE — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Listen to AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show to hear White House Special Advisor Patricia McGinnis and former Transportation Security Officer (TSO) and AFGE activist Ron Moore. Moore, now a special interest columnist for Washington, D.C.’s Examiner.com, recently wrote a book of poetry titled “Washington Cats.”

McGinnis, who advises the Obama administration on leadership programs for presidential appointees, will discuss qualities that embody good government leaders and building successful federal programs.

Moore will share his book of poetry, “Washington Cats,” written during a very trying period in his career. Moore also will discuss AFGE’s commitment to securing collective bargaining rights for TSOs, and how the union stood by him during his time of need.

Hooks Book Events President Perry Pidgeon Hooks then will discuss her fall lineup of public author events, which include Deepak Chopra, Steven Levitt, and David Baldacci. Federal employees interested in inviting authors to speak at their agencies can visit www.hooksbookevents.com for more information.

Jacque Simon, Chris Garlock, and Bill Schauman

AFGE — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

The recent Office of Personnel Management announcement that premiums under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) will increase in 2010 by an average of 8.8 percent will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

AFGE Public Policy Director Jacque Simon will analyze the premium spike, which includes an increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option participants by 15 percent for self coverage and 12 percent for family coverage – an increase that will affect 60 percent of all FEHBP enrollees.

But first, listeners will get a preview of the 9th annual D.C. Labor FilmFest from Director Chris Garlock. The event is scheduled for Oct. 13 – 19 at the American Film Institute's Silver Theater and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Md. Garlock will highlight a number of films, including "Office Space," "Situations Vacant," and the Whistleblower Film Series. For more information, please visit www.dclabor.org.

Lastly, AFGE Census Local 2782 President Bill Schauman will discuss the dangers Census workers face conducting door-to-door interviews throughout the United States. Schauman also will address the negative feelings some have toward federal employees, and what AFGE is doing to change that attitude.

Danielle Brian, Charity Wilson, and Paul F. Clark

AFGE — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

The need for stronger whistleblower protections for federal employees will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) Executive Director Danielle Brian will highlight efforts to protect federal employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse in the workplace. Brian also will discuss resources available for federal whistleblowers and legislation designed to protect them.

But first, AFGE Legislative Representative Charity Wilson will address President Obama’s nomination of Erroll Southers as the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Assistant Secretary. Wilson also will address TSA’s misguided pay-for-performance system, which she calls “a gigantic slap in the face to TSOs.”

Paul F. Clark, author of “Building More Effective Unions,” then will discuss methods to strengthen labor unions through communication, member orientation and socialization, and organizing. Clark, who serves as the head of Penn State University’s Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, also will share his thoughts on ways to reach younger workers.

Patrick Remigio, Don Hands, Michael Victorian, Robert Mayfield, Ben Butler, and Kim Kraynak

AFGE — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Activists from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) will shed light on issues facing their agencies this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council 118 President Patrick Remigio will discuss low staffing and funding levels, and efforts to have Council 118’s contract enforced at the agency. Department of Defense Local 2024 Chief Steward Don Hands then will share his concerns about contracting out initiatives and the National Security Personnel System. AFGE Communications Specialist Michael Victorian will discuss the union’s Young & Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) program.

Listeners then will hear from Local Presidents Robert Mayfield (2978), Ben Butler (2741), and Kim Kraynak (332). Mayfield and Butler will highlight issues facing D.C. government workers including the privatization of critical services. Kraynak will share her thoughts on the dire need for collective bargaining rights at the Transportation Security Administration.

Ricky McCoy, Joe Henderson, Derek Willingham, and Jamie Foster Brown

AFGE — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

The American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

AFGE Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Local 777 President Ricky McCoy will discuss the recent meeting that took place between AFGE and TSA management—the first formal labor-management meeting at the agency. McCoy also will shed light on morale problems at TSA and the dire need for collective bargaining rights. But first, AFGE Associate General Counsel Joe Henderson will detail Case Track, AFGE’s unique case catalog system. AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Derek Willingham then will highlight the new Young & Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) program at AFGE and the importance of recruiting the younger generation to AFGE.

Lastly, Sister 2 Sister magazine Publisher Jamie Foster Brown will discuss a new program she’s spearheading to assist single mothers in the Washington, D.C. area. The program focuses on single mothers with young sons who are at risk of going down the wrong path in life.

John Berry, Julia Clark, Mark Williams, and Jim Klatt

AFGE — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director John Berry, who recently spoke at the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) 38th Triennial National Convention, will appear this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

Berry will address OPM’s investment in human capital, the use of new technologies, and AFGE’s important role representing federal workers. Berry also will highlight OPM’s recruitment and retention strategies to attract the best and brightest to the federal government.

Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) General Counsel Julia Clark, who also spoke at AFGE’s convention, then will update listeners on her goals at FLRA – from eliminating the case backlog to restoring guidance and training materials.

Listeners also will learn about the latest AFGE membership benefits from AFGE National Benefits Coordinator Mark Williams and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Mid-West Coordinator Jim Klatt. Williams will detail a number of new benefits, including the Eldercare and Van Pool programs. Klatt then will detail the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance benefit, which combines union brotherhood with the great outdoors.

Barbara Lee, Roger Hickey, Jacque Simon, Bob Weiner

AFGE — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

The intensifying debate about health care reform in America will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government” radio show.

First, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) will discuss her book, "Renegade for Peace and Justice: Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks for Me." Listeners will learn more about Lee’s opposition to the Iraq war and her fight to end the ongoing genocide in Darfur.

The conversation then will move to the current health care reform debate with the Campaign for America's Future Co-Director Roger Hickey, House Aging Committee and Health Subcommittee former chief of staff Bob Weiner, and AFGE Public Policy Director Jacque Simon. Hickey will comment on the resistance at recent town hall meetings throughout the country and describe what a public option might look like. Weiner then will discuss what consumers can expect to pay for a public option and the impact health care reform would have on people's lives. Finally, Simon will shed light on the impact new legislation would have on federal employees.

Michael D. Yates, Elise Gould, and Tom Webb

AFGE — Fri, 7 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

Michael D. Yates, author of “Why Unions Matter,” will appear this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show to discuss the role of unions in the U.S.

Yates will discuss his book, and some of its major themes including union organizing, collective bargaining, and strategies for forming a union. Yates also will share his thoughts on the Employee Free Choice Act and how it will strengthen the labor movement in the U.S. Listeners also will learn why public sector unionization has increased, and what the private sector must do to increase its membership as well.

But first, hear from Economic Policy Institute Director of Health Policy Research Elise Gould and AFGE Social Security Administration (SSA) Local 3615 President Tom Webb. Gould will analyze health care reform and address the possible taxation of employer-sponsored health care benefits. She’ll also comment on where the small business community fits into the health care reform debate.

Webb then will discuss Local 3615’s victory to secure an increase in transit subsidy benefits for SSA employees in the Washington, D.C. area. The benefit now provides SSA employees the same subsidy amount as other federal workers in the region.

Patrick Kennedy, Maurice Hinchey, Peter Winch, and Chad Harris

AFGE — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) will appear this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Kennedy will discuss health care reform, why it's important for Congress to act quickly, and what a final bill could look like. Kennedy also will address the need to properly care for our nation's veterans – something he calls a "top priority." Hinchey then will discuss his efforts to end A-76 privatization studies currently being conducted by the Department of Defense. Hinchey included language in the FY10 Defense Appropriations Bill that will protect nearly 6,000 military and civilian jobs, including at least 531 positions at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

AFGE Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Attorney Chad Harris and National Organizer Peter Winch will detail the first formal labor-management meeting between any union, but specifically AFGE, and TSA management. The meeting gave front-line Transportation Security Officers an opportunity to voice their concerns to management. Harris and Winch will shed light on several issues raised in the meeting, including TSA leave policies, representation rights, and the Performance Accountability and Standards System – TSA's pay-for-performance system.

Phil Glover, Terry Rosen, Perry Hooks, and Jeff Goldman

AFGE — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

The critical staffing and funding shortages facing the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

AFGE Council of Prison Locals Legislative Coordinator Phil Glover, who testified this week before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, will detail the dangerous and increasingly violent situation inside the BOP. From a rise in assaults on correctional officers to the lack of protective equipment and non-lethal weaponry, Glover will shed light on what really happens inside the nation’s federal prison system.

Listeners also will hear from Terry Rosen, AFGE labor relations specialist; Perry Hooks, president of Hooks Book Events; and Jeff Goldman, executive director of government programs for Kaiser Permanente – all attendees at the recent Excellence in Government Conference, produced by the Government Executive Media Group. Rosen will discuss flexible working conditions and attracting younger workers to the federal government. Hooks then will detail her mission to bring new ideas into the federal government in order to solve the nation’s most pressing issues. Lastly, Goldman will provide tips and strategies for federal employees to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise.

Guests appear at the following times during the show:

Phil Glover – Start
Terry Rosen – 14:08
Perry Hooks – 27:50
Jeff Goldman – 41:18

Dwight Bowman and Charity Wilson

AFGE — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

A reduction-in-force at the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and the fight to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

AFGE 14th District National Vice President Dwight Bowman will discuss the layoffs, which affected 28 employees, and what AFGE is doing to get the workers' jobs back. Bowman also will shed light on a number of other issues facing the D.C. government including attempts to eliminate day care services at the Department of Parks and Recreation, and a proposed ban on city social workers using personal vehicles for work purposes.

Charity Wilson, AFGE legislative representative, then will update listeners on where the Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act currently stands on Capitol Hill. Wilson also will share her thoughts on the flawed Practical Skills Evaluation portion of TSA's Performance Accountability and Standards System, and how collective bargaining rights would improve morale at the agency.

Guests appear at the following times during the show:

Dwight Bowman – Opening interview
Charity Wilson – 27:30

Howard Dean, John Podesta, J. David Cox, Ed Towns, and Rick Perlstein

AFGE — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, who most recently served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will be featured this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show. Former Clinton White House chief of staff and co-chairman of President Obama’s transition team, John Podesta, who currently serves as president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, also will be interviewed.

On the show, Dean will address the call for a public option in health care reform, while Podesta will discuss the Obama administration’s desire to rely less on private contractors and bring more work back into the federal government.

But first, hear from AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox, who will update listeners on the critical situation inside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Cox will address the VA’s staffing and funding shortages, AFGE’s opposition to the VA Health Care Facility Leasing Program, and a claims backlog expected to top 1 million. For more information on these issues and many others, please visit www.fundtheva.com.

U.S. Rep. Ed Towns (D-N.Y.) then will discuss his role as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee, and the need to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. Finally, hear from Rick Perlstein, author of “Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America,” who will share his thoughts on the conservative movement as well as pressing issues in today’s world such as the energy crisis.

Terry Rosen, Daniel Weiss, and Page Gardner

AFGE — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

The American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) ongoing fight against the Pentagon’s misguided pay-for-performance system will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

Terry Rosen, AFGE labor relations specialist, will address the Department of Defense’s (DoD) National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and why AFGE has opposed its implementation from the start. Rosen will break down nearly every aspect of NSPS – from its funding to how dollars are actually distributed – to present AFGE’s case why the so-called “pay-for-performance” system must be repealed.

Also on this week’s show will be Daniel Weiss, senior fellow and director of climate strategy at the Center for American Progress, and Page Gardner, president of Women’s Voices. Women Vote. Weiss will share his thoughts on cap and trade in the U.S. and the need for alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power. Gardner then will address the significance of women voters and how a certain subgroup, such as unmarried women, can change the outcome of an election.

Matthew Brooks, Rick Perlstein, Gloria Totten, and Dean Baker

AFGE — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A recent swine flu outbreak at the Krome Service Processing Center in Miami, Fla. will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Matthew Brooks, president of AFGE Local 527, which represents U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workers in Florida, will update listeners on the outbreak and the challenges he faced in getting protective equipment for the employees.

But first hear from Rick Perlstein, Progressive Majority President Gloria Totten, and Center for Economic and Policy Research Co-director Dean Baker - all attendees of the recent America's Future Now conference by the Campaign for America's Future. Perlstein, author of "Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America," will share his thoughts on the conservative movement as well as pressing issues in today's world such as the energy crisis. Totten then will provide an inside look at running for public office - from campaigning and fundraising to getting re-elected. Lastly, Baker will discuss how the banking crisis impacted the overall economic downturn, and why another stimulus package may be needed.

Witold Skwierczynski and Dana Duggins

AFGE — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A myriad of problems facing the Social Security Administration (SSA), including underfunding and eroding leadership, will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Two leaders from AFGE's National Council of SSA Field Operations Locals, President Witold Skwierczynski and Legislative Chair Dana Duggins, will break down the agency's issues. Skwierczynski will start by detailing efforts to remove Commissioner Michael Astrue, including a vote of "no confidence" by the union and a scathing report by the Government Accountability Office. Duggins then will expand upon a gag order instructing employees to stop assisting claimants as they had in the past.

Other topics to be addressed include iClaims security concerns, understaffing, a severe claims backlog, and a poorly executed awards program. For more information on these issues, please visit www.preserveyoursocialsecurity.com.

Rudy DeLeon, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Heather Smith, Scott Paul

AFGE — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A new task force designed to review the Department of Defense's controversial National Security Personnel System (NSPS) will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show. Rudy DeLeon, head of the new NSPS task force, will talk about the task force's objectives and when the public can expect to learn of its recommendations. DeLeon also will address the importance of attracting and retaining skilled civilian workers to the Pentagon.

Also on this week's show, "Inside Government" will take listeners inside the recent America's Future Now conference by the Campaign for America's Future. Hear from Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rock the Vote Executive Director Heather Smith, and Alliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul.

Norton will update listeners on the fight for D.C. voting rights and efforts to reform health care in America. Smith then will discuss Rock the Vote’s impact on the 2008 presidential election and the need to communicate with young people in a way they understand. Lastly, Paul will share his thoughts on American manufacturing including industrial policy and the role unions play in solving problems in the workplace.

Mark Roth, Darryl Moch, Richard N. Haass

AFGE — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

A new task force designed to review the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show. AFGE General Counsel Mark Roth will explain the new task force and AFGE's reaction to its creation. Roth also will detail the history of NSPS, and why AFGE wants the pay-for-performance system to be eliminated. Darryl Moch, executive director of the Labor Heritage Foundation, will preview the Great Labor Arts Exchange and Conference on Creative Organizing scheduled for June 20 - 23. Moch also will discuss Camp Solidarity for children and youth ages 7 - 14. To find out more about these events, designed to strengthen the labor movement through art and creativity, please visit www.laborheritage.org.

But first, hear from Richard N. Haass, author of "War of Necessity, War of Choice: A Memoir of Two Iraq Wars." Haass, who served in senior positions for President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush, will analyze the decisions that lead to both Iraq wars and offer unique insight to the role of a senior government official during a time of war. Haass also will share his dissenting opinion for the second Iraq war, one he calls a "war of choice."

Don Hale, Jacque Simon, and Heidi Shierholz

AFGE — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Efforts to stop the contracting out of hundreds of jobs at the United States Military Academy at West Point will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Don Hale, AFGE DEFCON Chair, will update listeners on the Army's recent decision to outsource more than 300 public works jobs to the private sector through a controversial A-76 cost competition study in late March. Hale also will detail AFGE's efforts to prevent further job loss, and praise congressional support from U.S. Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and John Hall (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

Jacque Simon, AFGE public policy director, will address health care reform in the U.S., labor's role in the process, and what President Obama's plan may look like. Scott Eblin, president of the Eblin Group, then will talk about his book, "The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success," and provide executive coaching tips for federal employees.

Lastly, Economist Heidi Shierholz from the Economic Policy Institute will expand upon a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report that there are nearly five unemployed job seekers for every available job. That number has increased from a four-to-one ratio in November 2008.