News
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GREATLY EXPANDS CREDIT FOR STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
In great news for many educators with student loans, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently announced a change to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules for a limited time, allowing many borrowers to receive credit for past payments made on loans that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF. Some 550,000 public service… Read More
DoDEA FAILING TO PROVIDE VACCINE EXEMPTION INFORMATION
With barely a month left until the deadline for federal employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, DoDEA has yet to issue any instructions about the Reasonable Accommodation process for employees seeking exemptions. DoDEA has yet to provide the Association with official notice of the vaccine mandate so the parties can negotiate over the procedures, despite… Read More
DOL Bulletin Covers Injuries to Feds from COVID Vaccine Mandate
The Department of Labor recently issued FECA bulletin 22-01 with a subject line of "Coverage for Injuries Resulting from the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate for Federal Employees." FECA, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, covers injuries that occur in the performance of duty. The full FECA bulletin can be read here.… Read More
OCTOBER 4, 2021 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Bargaining Update FEA and DoDEA, last month, engaged in bargaining for a new negotiated agreement covering the Overseas bargaining unit. The two sides remain at odds over a number of issues. FEA remains committed to negotiating a fair contract that protects employee rights and strengthens the learning environment for DoDEA students. We will continue… Read More
NOV 22 DEADLINE FOR FEDS TO BECOME FULLY VACCINATED
Following an Executive Order from the White House requiring federal employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force has issued guidance stating that feds must be fully vaccinated by November 22 of this year. Please be aware that the guidance states that the vaccine mandate applies to teleworking employees and… Read More
FEA PRESIDENT’S REPORT SEPTEMBER 16 2021
LEADERSHIP TRAININGS I, along with FEA Executive Director/General Counsel Richard Tarr and Deputy Executive Director/General Counsel Suzanne Summerlin, have been able to virtually attend trainings for Association leaders in Europe this month. I’m planning (technology willing) to attend additional trainings for the Pacific as well as the upcoming FEA Stateside Region Area Council as the… Read More
FEA’S WELCOME BACK VIDEO
FEA Executive Director/General Counsel Richard Tarr is featured in a short video welcoming Association members back for School Year 21-22 and highlighting some of the many issues FEA is working on for you. Please take a few minutes to watch our welcome back video: Read More
August 31, 2021 FEA President’s Report
Welcome Back to the New School Year I hope all FEA members had a restful and healthy summer. The 2021-2022 school year is already proving to be a challenging one. I thank you for your FEA membership, standing with your fellow education employees, and for allowing FEA to stand for you. On behalf of all… Read More
FEA Stands with NEA on Federal Employee Vaccination Policy
Late last month, the Biden administration issued an Executive Order on Covid-19 vaccinations for federal government employees. (Read that EO at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-actions-to-get-more-americans-vaccinated-and-slow-the-spread-of-the-delta-variant/) The order specified that all employees attest to their vaccination status, and those that are not vaccinated will be subject to certain requirements, such as frequent testing, official travel restrictions, and more. Subsequently,… Read More
REPORT NON PAYMENT OF SUMMER PAY, EDC/EDA PAY
A number of members in both Overseas and Stateside schools have reported not receiving Summer Pay and/or 2021 EDC/EDA (Extra Duty Contract/Extra Duty Assignment) pay. DoDEA Resource Management has asked FEA to provide them with a list of educators still without payment, so DoDEA can ensure those who are owed pay do receive it. If… Read More