DFAS workers who were slated to lose jobs because of credit problems get a reprieve

[The Straight Story]

DFAS workers who were slated to lose jobs because of credit problems get a reprieve

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Defense Finance and Accounting Service has agreed to suspend a controversial policy of firing workers for credit reasons while it reviews whether it was necessary to upgrade their security clearances in 2005.

"I have been getting calls all afternoon. People are ecstatic," says Angelo "Troy" Marshall, who heads the union that represents the facility's defense payroll workers, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3283.

Marshall himself was slated to lose his job on Friday because he owes nearly $6,000 in credit card and medical debt. He said Tuesday's announcement gives a temporary reprieve to 47 workers who were about to lose their jobs, and that the union is still trying to work something out to save the jobs of 20 workers who were already let go under the policy.

DFAS spokesman Tom LaRock's estimates of how many DFAS workers were affected by the policy differed from Marshall's figures. LaRock said that since 2001, 54 employees from all DFAS offices have been terminated for not being able to obtain a favorable background clearance. Ten of those were in Cleveland. LaRock said that throughout DFAS, 20 cases are in process.

"Talking to our guys, based on previous history, many of them will be able to resolve their issues," LaRock said.

The decision to suspend the policy was announced by Cleveland Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who worked with other Northeast Ohio members of Congress to appeal the agency's decision.

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2010/03/dfas_workers_who_were_slated_t.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. I have NEVER had to deal with a more INCOMPETENT organization than DFAS -

after my mother's death, dealing with them was a nightmare that lasted for over a year.

[The Straight Story]

2. Some of their mgt sucks. Known several people who have worked there

It is close to my house and is a big employer. There is a ton of red tape in processes. Not to say all depts there are that way (one friend raved about it) but many seem bogged down and antiquated (we also lost DFAS to Kentucky, lord knows it would be worse then... :hide: )

[Captain Hilts]

3. That the Indy office does not communicate with the Cleveland office

creates a paperwork nightmare.

And getting through to them on the phone - a LONG series of 'dial X's then...a busy signal is also maddening.

Seriously, after my mother died, no outfit - financial, government, etc. was more aggravating. None.