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Washington, D.C.-The head of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) today said a recent Senate report focusing on federal workforce issues is "a good starting point" for needed discussions and action on the challenges and opportunities facing Congress and the next administration as they undertake the work of the American people.

"Attracting and retaining skilled employees is an ongoing problem throughout the federal government and needs immediate attention by Congress and the next administration," NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley said. "NTEU looks forward to discussing the full range of issues and the solutions."

The report, issued by Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio), concludes that the federal government is facing a workforce crisis with more than half of federal employees eligible for regular or early retirement by 2004 and touches on issues ranging from pay to benefits to adequate training to the management skills of political appointees.

"Competitive pay for federal employees should be a top priority for Congress," Kelley said. "The current Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA) was designed to reduce the pay gap between the public and private sectors but it has never been fully implemented and

the gap continues to grow." NTEU believes that Congress and the new administration should fully implement FEPCA or adopt a more credible system for setting the pay of federal workers.

Along with pay, health benefits are a major component of the federal pay package and often an attractive feature for current and prospective employees. Unfortunately, the large premium rate increases in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program in the last several years are pricing health coverage out of the reach of many government employees. NTEU urges Congress and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fully examine all avenues that will reduce the premium amounts for federal employees while maintaining a high quality health care program. One option is to revisit the premium sharing formula which has been static for many years despite enormous changes in the health care field and skyrocketing costs.

Increasing the family-friendly nature of the federal government also will help to attract and retain valued employees. NTEU, a leader on this issue, will be asking Congress to authorize a pilot child care subsidy program for lower-graded federal employees on a permanent basis as well as explore other topics including increased telecommuting options and family leave.

"Above all," Kelley said, "adequate funding for federal agencies must be ensured. Many agencies could keep talented employees with retention bonuses and other pay flexibilities but they are not given enough money to fully utilize these options. The lack of full funding can lead to federal agencies dipping into other line items-including training funds-to cover expenses elsewhere and that further leads to dissatisfied employees who may look for employment in the private sector."