September 28, 2018
NFFE E-NEWS
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With the damage brought about by Hurricane Florence to the Carolinas and neighboring states, the IAMAW has mobilized its resources to aid in the recovery process for affected members of the Machinists Union (of which NFFE members belong). To learn how you can DONATE to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund or APPLY for assistance, CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE.

To stay up to date on this cause and all of the great work our brothers and sisters do at the IAM, sign up for iMail at goiam.org .
President Erwin Huddles with House Leadership and to Set 2019 Congressional Agenda for Federal Employees
September 28, 2018
 
National President Randy Erwin met with House Democratic leadership to discuss the 2019 congressional agenda to advance the interests of federal employees and unions. On January 3, 2019 the 115th Congress will end and the 116th will begin, and all pending legislation will need to be introduced again.

The time to start planning a new congressional strategy is now, long before the current congress ends. Issues discussed included the widening pay gap, deteriorating due process and representation, and the wholly punitive attack on earned benefits. Attending the meeting was Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-5) and U.S. Representatives who represent large numbers of federal employees in the DMV area: U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA-8), Anthony Brown (MD-4), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Elijah Cummings (MD-7), John Delaney (MD-6), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2), and John Sarbanes (MD-3).
Down to the Last Few Minutes to Sign a Continuing Resolution…Once Again
September 27, 2018
 
The President is expected to sign an appropriation “minibus” bill that includes a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the rest of government until December 7. If the President does not sign the bill before Monday, the government will go into a lapse in funding (i.e., a partial shutdown) at midnight on Sunday. All nonessential employees at most departments and agencies will not be allowed to work on Monday. 

However, the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to run along with a few other agencies because the President signed an earlier minibus appropriation bill funding the VA and programs covered under Water, Energy and Military Construction. The VA and the programs contained in the earlier bill already have their full funding for FY 2019 and are therefore not affected by a partial shutdown.

We will keep NFFE members informed as events unfold over the next few days. If a shutdown occurs on Monday morning, it is recommended that you show up for work to receive the official order not to work unless your agency advises otherwise. This may prevent an unexcused absence charge from your supervisor.
New Legal Benefit for NFFE members!
September 23, 2018
 
As part of the goal to provide additional benefits for members, NFFE has secured an agreement with the Harris Federal Law Firm to provide NFFE members with discounted legal services for federal disability claims. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Harris Federal Law Firm operates a nationwide practice that represents employees with federal disability retirement claims, federal workers compensation, employment discrimination, social security disability, third party liability and other issues related to federal employment. 

In cooperation with the Harris Federal Law Firm, NFFE members can now receive a 20% discount on legal services regarding federal disability claims.

“We welcome Harris Federal to the suite of benefit services offered to NFFE members and their families,” stated David Stamey, NFFE Secretary-Treasurer. “A federal disability claim is something no one ever wants to file, but if it should become necessary, it is important to have experienced legal representation to guide filers through the process,” he added.

For further information on how to take advantage our newest member benefit, please visit the Harris Federal website at:

FEHB Rates Tick Up for 2019
September 26, 2018

Beginning November 12 through December 10, 2018, federal employees and retirees will have access to the annual Open Season for health insurance, dental and vision insurance in which they can review current plans, make changes, and in enroll in coverage.

For the 2019 FEHB Program Rates, employees can expect:

  • The overall average increase in rates for non-Postal employees and retirees will be 1.3%
  • The Government contribution will increase by 1.2%
  • The enrollee share will increase an average of 1.5%
  • For Self Only, the average premium increase is 0.9%
  • For Self Plus One, the average increase is 1.1%
  • For Self and Family, the average increase is 1.4%

For the 2019 Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) Rate, employees can expect:

  • The overall average premium increase is 1.2% for dental plans
  • The overall average premium decrease is 2.8% for vision plans

Fortunately, while the plans do see premium increases, these increases are lower than in years past. Please see the links below for further any further information.

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