MRPBS Publications - Human Resources Desk Guide

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Subchapter 4500 - Recruitment and Retention Incentives
Section L - Special Occupational Pay Systems


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Description

You may request approval to establish a special pay system for any occupation or group of occupations:

  • For which the current pay system does not function adequately, or

  • Which, for reasons of good administration, should not be classified under Chapter 51 (Classification) of Title V of the U.S. Code.

Justification Criteria

To justify the establishment of a special pay system for employees in an occupation or group of occupations, you should evaluate the current pay system and:

  • List reasons why the current pay system does not function adequately, or

  • List reasons why the occupations or group of occupations should not be classified under Chapter 51 (Classification), l Title V, U.S. Code.

To evaluate the current system, you, as a manager or supervisor, should answer these questions:

  • Does the current system allow the organization to attract and retain qualified employees at all levels of responsibility?

  • Is the current system externally competitive and internally consistent and fair?

  • Is there a perception among employees that the current system is unfair or haphazard?

  • Does the current system allow employees to be rewarded adequately for individual performance?

  • Does the current system allow employees to be rewarded for contributing to the achievement of the organization's mission and goals?

  • Is the current system appropriate for the organization's geographic location?

  • Does the current system provide for the advancement of capable employees?

  • Does the current system cause an excessive level of payments for overtime work?

  • Is the current system cost-effective?

Process for Establishing a 
Special Pay System

You must follow this process when requesting approval to establish a special pay system:

Step

If:

Then:

1

Requesting Approval

Consult the Justification Criteria in this section.

2

Request is justified

Contact HRD-HREB and assist in developing an alternative pay system for the occupation or group of occupations involved.

3

Alternative pay system is developed

Help HRD-HREB do the following:

  • Obtain a critique of the alternative pay system by union officials and affected managers, supervisors, and employees.
  • Send details of the alternative pay system to OPM.
  • Publish the alternative pay system in the Federal Register.
  • Conduct one or more public hearings on the alternative system.
  • Provide each House of Congress with details of the alternative system (90 days prior to the system's implementation date).

4

Request is approved

Coordinate with HRD-HREB to activate payment under the new system by sending documentation of approval to the SPO.

Approval Authority

Approval Authority is the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

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Last Modified: December 13, 2007