Reinventing Opportunities
The White House's push to contract out many federal functions presents new job opportunities for some retirement-age government workers.</br></br>Although low-seniority workers are facing layoffs, some old-timers can get $25,000 exit payments, inflation-proof pensions and new careers - maybe doing their old jobs at higher salaries - with companies assuming federal chores. Talent and contacts, not necessarily in that order, are a big plus for the middle- and top-level employees who are reinventing themselves into private-sector employees.</br></br>In the old days, B.C. (Before Clinton), a few ex-feds found happiness with Beltway Bandit companies serving Uncle Sam. But pickings were slim except for the exceptionally talented, the lucky or those who spent their final years courting a new employer. Taxpayers pay for privatization too - but costs are hidden. In some cases, the changeovers actually improve service and save money.</br></br>Federal unions fought the efforts of Presidents Nixon and Reagan to privatize. Government employment actually increased under both of them. But this time, unions have been outmaneuvered by the Clinton administration. It gave them "partnership" agreements - which include ringside seats as politicians carve up the bureaucracy - in return for cooperation in reinventing government.</br></br>The 1995 model of the government reinvention-mobile has fewer seats for employees. And this is before the Republicans make their cuts!