With Congress adjourning for the August recess, a government shutdown looms as key budget bills remain unresolved. Divided proposals over federal spending heighten uncertainty, threatening paychecks and agency services. Major union battles escalate, including terminations of collective bargaining agreements at the VA and EPA, while unions mobilize to protect worker rights and challenge policies undermining civil service protections. The 2026 federal pay raise remains uncertain, facing a proposed pay freeze for civilian employees and competing legislative proposals. OPM issues new guidance on performance awards and probationary periods, prioritizing high performance and accountability. Retiree COLA projections show moderate increases for 2026, and OPM advances efforts to implement a fully digital retirement process aimed at easing administrative backlogs. Overall, the episode highlights deepening challenges to federal labor rights, pay, and workforce stability.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Welcome to The FED Weekly
• (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
• (00:49) - Government Funding Uncertainty and Potential Shutdowns
• (03:04) - Challenges to Federal Employee Union Rights and Civil Service Integrity
• (06:38) - GAO Report on OPM Priority Open Recommendations
• (07:53) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
• (07:57) - 2026 Federal Employee Pay Raise Outlook and Legislative Proposals
• (10:27) - New OPM Guidance on Performance Awards and Management
• (13:01) - Updated Guidance on Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service
• (14:24) - Major Union Contract Terminations and Legal Battles
• (19:22) - GAO Report on Federal Workforce Name Change Process
• (20:32) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
• (20:36) - 2026 Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Projections
• (22:10) - Ongoing Transition to Fully Digital Retirement Process
• (24:31) - Conclusion: Wrap-Up and Staying Informed