I had been meaning to write this week anyway, to invite you to participate in AFSA's annual survey of State employees. Unfortunately, a larger event must be discussed first.

POSSIBLE FURLOUGH:

By now, you have seen the State Department's message regarding the possibility of a government shut-down in the event that Congress cannot reach agreement on either an appropriations bill or a continuing resolution. If it occurs, such a government shut-down would begin at 12:01 AM on Saturday Morning December 17th. AFSA has been briefed by management, and is in ongoing contact with management regarding this issue.

Because different agencies are funded at different times, and have different restrictions on their funding, this potential shut-down would affect different agencies differently. Some agencies (Commerce, Agriculture) have already received this year's funding. They would not shut down. State has a limited amount of prior year funding that can still be used. That will provide a cushion of several days (currently estimated at about two weeks) to continue operations should the government shut down.  USAID does not have such a cushion, but some employees funded by project funds would continue working. In short: whether an employee would be furloughed and when that furlough would begin will vary between employees at posts.

A shutdown has implications for employees on leave status. You cannot receive annual leave while a furlough is in place. Personnel considered essential (exempt from a furlough) cannot take leave during a furlough. Information clarifying the matters involved can be found at www.opm.gov/furlough2011 and also at http://www.afsa.org/PolicyandLegislation/GovernmentShutdownHelpfulInformation.aspx. The good news is that a shutdown is unlikely, and if it occurs, is likely to be short. But we all must be prepared for the possibility.

AFSA SURVEY

With regard to AFSA's survey, I would like to invite you to access and take AFSA's survey of State employees at https://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DS9V5FYAK .  The survey is completely anonymous. Your comments and suggestions will shape AFSA's priorities, activities, and interactions with the Secretary of State and other officials over the coming year. We and our AFSA Governing Board colleagues will personally read every response.

The survey contains 22 questions and is divided into four parts. We estimate that each part should take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. You do not have to complete all sections in order to submit a response, but we hope you will take the time to do so.

Best regards,

Daniel Hirsch