Federal Government Ask for Volunteers to Kuwait
Much to my surprise US Civilian employees do not get the same benefits and tax breaks given those in the private sector.
While all the housing and travel allowances are not taxable there Danger Pay, Post Allowance and Post Differential is fully taxable.
In addition, their overtime is capped and their overall pay reduced to not exceed that of a GS15 level.
They get a step increase in my husband's case is to a GS12 level and the differentials since they appear on their W-2 are counted toward the "high 3" in calculating their retirement.
After many years of my husband's pay stub clearly stating that he is "non-exempt" under the FLSA, Fair Labor Standards Act,I finally have to speak out against this "unfairness" toward the government employee that this law does not apply to them.
As a GS11 he is an hourly employee and under the law should be paid overtime for all work over 40 hours per week, but the federal government is not subject to their own laws!He gets credit hours in lieu of overtime pay.
Having a background in HR in the private sector,this has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Had the overtime been paid we won't be looking a such a drastic measure to boost his retirement income.
While volunteering does not assure that he will in fact have the opportunity to go, I have had several emotional thoughts today from fearful to anger.
I am left with a business to run, two aging corgis, aging parents, 3 acres to mow, a water filtration system to learn to operate and 3 long years to be by myself if he is accepted.
Many of his co-workers have reported back nothing but good things about the tour of duty.
Thank goodness they take them first on a 90-day trail before you are locked into the 3 years.
Even so, there is no benefit for a widow should something happen.
You would get the calculated pension benefit minus the deduction for any years under 55 years of age.
My husband has been supportive in my every whim over the years.
Going back to school, starting a business and moving from CA to NC to be closer our grandson.
I am doubting myself too.
I have grown to rely on that truck pulling in the driveway at 3 p.
m.
The dogs expect their bone at 3:05 p.
m.
My car's every need is met without asking.
The lawn is mowed, trash taken out and a strong back ready to help whenever asked.
Do the benefits make this worth while?I think NOT.
While all the housing and travel allowances are not taxable there Danger Pay, Post Allowance and Post Differential is fully taxable.
In addition, their overtime is capped and their overall pay reduced to not exceed that of a GS15 level.
They get a step increase in my husband's case is to a GS12 level and the differentials since they appear on their W-2 are counted toward the "high 3" in calculating their retirement.
After many years of my husband's pay stub clearly stating that he is "non-exempt" under the FLSA, Fair Labor Standards Act,I finally have to speak out against this "unfairness" toward the government employee that this law does not apply to them.
As a GS11 he is an hourly employee and under the law should be paid overtime for all work over 40 hours per week, but the federal government is not subject to their own laws!He gets credit hours in lieu of overtime pay.
Having a background in HR in the private sector,this has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Had the overtime been paid we won't be looking a such a drastic measure to boost his retirement income.
While volunteering does not assure that he will in fact have the opportunity to go, I have had several emotional thoughts today from fearful to anger.
I am left with a business to run, two aging corgis, aging parents, 3 acres to mow, a water filtration system to learn to operate and 3 long years to be by myself if he is accepted.
Many of his co-workers have reported back nothing but good things about the tour of duty.
Thank goodness they take them first on a 90-day trail before you are locked into the 3 years.
Even so, there is no benefit for a widow should something happen.
You would get the calculated pension benefit minus the deduction for any years under 55 years of age.
My husband has been supportive in my every whim over the years.
Going back to school, starting a business and moving from CA to NC to be closer our grandson.
I am doubting myself too.
I have grown to rely on that truck pulling in the driveway at 3 p.
m.
The dogs expect their bone at 3:05 p.
m.
My car's every need is met without asking.
The lawn is mowed, trash taken out and a strong back ready to help whenever asked.
Do the benefits make this worth while?I think NOT.
