Say Tradeoff is Too High Relative to Other Defense Needs
WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents 300,000 workers of the Department of Defense, today asked for details on the cost of implementing the proposed personnel system for DoD, known as the National Security Personnel System. For almost two years, DoD has been developing NSPS for its 700,000 workers. AFGE is working with other unions that represent civilian defense workers to ensure that the personnel system does not impair national security by undermining the civilian defense workforce.
“Despite the reams of paper outlining details and procedures under the proposed system, little information has been made available to the public on the costs associated with implementing the new system,” said John Gage, national president of AFGE. Gage noted that Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract for $175 million solely for the purpose of designing the new personnel system for DHS.
“This money would be better spent supporting the men and women who protect America,” said Ron Ault, president of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department. “When has the design ever cost less than the final product? Based on estimated implementation costs for a similar plan in the Department of Homeland Security, this DoD personnel system monstrosity probably will cost billions to implement. The tradeoff is just too high.”
Greg Junemann, president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers added, “Despite our multiple requests, we have been provided no evidence whatsoever that shows how the proposed changes will enhance national defense. We have not been provided with one single example of how good old fashion union rights have impaired national defense.”
AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. AFGE is working with a coalition of labor unions that represent civilian defense workers to ensure that the new DoD personnel system does not impair national security by undermining the civilian defense workforce.