THEIR MOST IMPORTANT TASK:

Security Department Is Firm on Labor Plan (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 8/29/05)

The Homeland Security Department is seeking to clarify proposed workplace rules that a federal judge said violated its employee rights, but it is standing by its plans to overhaul personnel and pay regulations.

Responding to a Federal District Court ruling two weeks ago, the department said it was continuing to seek expanded management rights and more flexible labor regulations.

It is also still pushing for the creation of a labor relations panel with members appointed by the Homeland Security secretary. That could erode the authority of an independent panel that reviews personnel disputes between managers and unions.

There's not much threat from terrorists, but the damage done by the professional civil service and public employee unions is real.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 29, 2005 12:00 AM