WASHINGTON, DC–Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) today commented on the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel regulations, which will be published in the Federal Register next Wednesday.
“The personnel regulations unveiled today are the result of months of hard work and collaboration by the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Personnel Management and the employee representatives,” said Senator Collins.
“I understand that Secretary Ridge and OPM have pledged to continue the collaborative process with the unions, which is welcome news. As Chairman of the Committee with oversight of DHS and the federal workforce, I encourage their ongoing dialogue and will continue to monitor their progress.
“I also will be reviewing the regulations for further details about how DHS plans to consult with the unions on matters affecting the workforce. The details of the implementation matter greatly,” said Senator Collins, who noted that the proposed labor relations system represents a significant change from current practice and that details yet to be determined will be important.
“In addition, I am pleased that the new system provides for appeals to the independent Merit Systems Protection Board, which is an important safeguard,” she concluded.