STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Last year’s annual report —“State of the Congressional Workplace”—received unprecedented attention in the Congressional community and with the American public. Congressional members and staffers commended the Office of Compliance’s (OOC) new format, which provided greater transparency and clarity about the rights and protections for Congressional employees under the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA).
For fiscal year 2010, we use the same format to provide statistical, educational, and objective information that illustrates Congress’s accomplishments under the CAA, occupational safety and health compliance, the types of employment dispute claims that Congressional employees raised with the OOC, and recommendations for improvements to the CAA. Throughout the report, we also explain the responsibilities of the OOC, its role in the Congressional workplace, and the use of the OOC’s services by Congressional employees and employing offices to resolve workplace disputes.
During fiscal year 2010, at the recommendation of the OOC Board of Directors, Congress approved regulations that implemented the Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), which provides veterans who served this country with improved access to job opportunities in Legislative Branch agencies. The VEOA also establishes a redress system for preference eligibles in the event that their veterans’ preference rights are violated. With these regulations in place, the VEOA will open potential opportunities for veterans seeking jobs in the Legislative Branch.
Despite our progress, substantial work still needs to be done to advance rights in the Congressional workplace. At the conclusion of the 111th Congress (2009–2010), the Board of Directors issued its “Recommendations for Improvements to the Congressional Accountability Act” for the 112th Congress (2011–2012) to consider and implement. Most of these recommendations urge Congress to provide basic and long-standing workplace rights that apply in the private sector, such as posting notification of employee rights. Other recommendations include record-keeping of employment records and anti-retaliation protections for Congressional staffers who report waste, fraud, and abuse. The Board of Directors will continue to meet with, and discuss our recommendations with, Members of Congress during the 112th Congress.
