October 11, 2011

NTEU Criticizes Pathways Programs
President Kelley warned that the initiative replacing the Federal Career Internship Program threatens the competitive hiring process, just like its predecessor which NTEU worked long and hard to abolish.

In comments submitted to the Office of Personnel Management, NTEU raised concerns that agencies may abuse the Pathways Programs, which discriminate against older applicants. What is more, there is no cap on how many employees can be hired under the authority.

Kelley also criticized the proposed Schedule D Hiring Authority for bypassing the normal competitive hiring process for virtually any entry-level position. It allows positions to be temporarily removed from the competitive service to allow for targeted recruiting and hiring from among students and recent graduates.