Q&A Session – NSPS Pay Retention

Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.

Q:

With the transition back to the General Schedule (GS) from the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), can they lower the grade level or pay of the employee?

A:

The conversion from NSPS back to the General Schedule has caused a great deal of confusion. Employees are supposed to be moved from their NSPS designation to a GS position with the equivalent duties and responsibilities. An employee is not supposed to see a decrease in pay. However, if you were making a salary under NSPS that is higher than the GS salary for your converted position, you will be placed under pay retention – which means you will not be eligible for full salary adjustments until the General Schedule catches up. Your supervisor and HR specialist should be able to discuss your specific situation.

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