The FED Weekly

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticipated 2026 pay raise stands at 1.0% for most employees, except law enforcement, who may see a 3.8% increase. Thrift Savings Plan funds show growth, while year-end withdrawal deadlines impact 2025 taxes. Retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA boost, but rising insurance premiums may offset gains. Notably, there’s a temporary block on State Department layoffs due to a court ruling, and OPM drafts impactful regulations to reclassify policy roles, threatening civil service protections. The fight for DoD union rights continues in NDAA negotiations. Finally, delayed wage grade pay raises for DoD workers are being processed, offering relief. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of these evolving workforce and retirement issues.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - Health Insurance Elections Deadline
(02:39) - 2026 Pay Raise Update
(04:35) - Thrift Savings Plan and Economic Data
(06:33) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(06:39) - 2026 COLA and Benefit Adjustments
(08:10) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(08:13) - Legal Confrontations and Civil Service Protections
(10:45) - Schedule F Regulations Re-Emerge
(12:10) - NDAA 2026 and Union Rights
(13:25) - Wage Grade Pay Raises
(14:12) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 30 Nov-6 Dec 2025 (Episode 27)