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[Jonathan]

I thought some people might like to read this:  


http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05720.pdf

Its the GAO's report on the USPTO and working conditions.  

Is it really true that USPTO employees never get the annual cost of living increases?  

 

Interesting, from the conclusion section:

"To improve its ability to attract and retain the highly educated and qualified
patent examiners it needs, USPTO has taken a number of steps recognized
by experts as characteristic of highly effective organizations. However, the
lack of an effective communication strategy and a collaborative
environment that is inclusive of all layers within the organization could
undermine some of USPTO’s efforts. Specifically, the lack of
communication and collaborative culture has resulted in a general distrust
of management by examiners and has caused a significant divide between
management and examiners on important issues such as the
appropriateness of the current production model and the need for technical
training. We believe that unless USPTO begins the process of developing an
open, transparent, and collaborative work environment, its efforts to hire
and retain examiners may be negatively impacted in the long run."

[Chad]

I thought that the pay scale and pay raises took into account locality and inflation.  

Anyone got any solid info?

[Chad]

Sorry for the double post but I just stumbled across the POPA website.

Has anyone read any of their newsletters?  The one I read made it sound like the USPTO was going down the tubes...fast.  

Any opinions on POPA? And is it really getting that bad for employees of the USPTO?

[JB]

No it is not bad. POPA is just so extreme in their thinking. I would take what they write and say with a grain of salt.

[Chad]

The news letter I read said that the USPTO was getting rid of several benefits that have made me interested in working there such as:

- limits on flex time

- allowing managers to give mandatory overtime

- increase from previous production levels to get bonuses

- examiners no longer move up the GS scale althought they meet all requirements to do so

All alleged slashes in benefits can be found in this newsletter:

http://www.popa.org/newsletters/febmar05.shtml


Is any of this true or is it exaggerated ?

[Isaac]

What you are reading is POPA's interpretation of the PTO's proposed bargaining agreement.

While you would expect such a view to be a bit one sided, it is pretty clear that the PTO's proposal represents major changes few of which are beneficial to the rank and file.

There are some assumptions by POPA that supervisors and managers will abuse the discretion in giving promotions that they are negotiating, but I don't think there is any question that things like flex time, bonus/awards, are scaled back in managements proposed agreement.

[Chad]

Is it guaranteed that these proposals will go through or are the proposals a place to start negotiating?

Thanks for the info

[Isaac]

I think it's a negotiating stance, but it is a very hardball approach IMO.

The other issue is that PTO management believes that the current agreement has expired despite an arbitrators decision to the contrary.  For that reason, it is a bit controversial that there even is a proposal.

And we haven't even mentioned the USPTOs outsourcing plans.

POPA is not right about everything, but there is enough truth in what they say to cause concern.  Unfortunately there is enough wolf crying/skies falling stuff in their position that I think there real concerns sometimes get short shrift.

[Chad]

Sorry...1 more question.

Would any of these recent developments discourage any of you from seeking employment at the USPTO?  

Thanks for all of the advice.

[Isaac]

For the most part, no.  Most of the things don't make the
PTO a bad place to work.  Instead the place is not as attractive
a place to current employees.  I expect the changes to be more
of a retention issue that a recruiting issue.

The only thing that really worries me is the strategic plan to
contract out searches and a couple of things in the proposed
agreement that seem to be in preparation for dumping examiners
if they are no longer needed.  Given the historic lack of
success for retaining examiners, when the PTO proposes new policies
that would probably negatively affect retention, it might be
logical to think they are anticipating a need to lower retention.

[DCbound]

For those of you applying to the USPTO, here are some tips: 1) never leave a message on anyone's answering machine becausse they will never return your calls - always talk to someone in person; 2) get ready to send your transcripts and resume via fax, email, postal copies, and postal copies forwarded from your university directly, about 10 times total.

This is just my morning rant after receiving an email from HR telling me that JARS needed ANOTHER copy of my transcripts/resume now that i was hired (still waiting for them to send my binding letter). I sent them transcripts every which way and even called to verify that my file was complete - and that doesn't count the multiple copies i sent to various supervisors! Another tip: scan everything in an be ready to shoot off email copies - its easier that way.

Oh well, guess its another trip to Kinkos to fax these things off since they wanted it that way this time. Since broadband i haven't had a fax/modem in my computer for years ... all i want is that final binding offer in my hand ...

[guest]

I was hired to work at the PTO about a month ago and my start date is the day after labor day (spet 6 or 7).  Anyone else starting then? If so has anyone begun looking for apartments/condos/townhouses/homes to live in.  Living by yourself seems prohibitively expensive, but having a roommate seems to allow you to live more comfortably.  Has anyone found a place to live that is convenient to the office (on metro, in alexandria, or arlington)?

If anyone has any advice on where to look (already have looked at craigslist.org, washington post classifieds, rent.com. apartments.com) or knows of places that are looking for a roommate I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[DCbound]

The USPTO has a free "relocation packet" that they overnighted to me last week. Looks like they just printed out info from apartments.com and threw in advertisement pamphlets from a few different apartments. Call HR and they can shoot one out to you if you're interested, but I found that the sites you mentioned are more useful.

September 19th is my start date. My wife and I just put a deposit on a 1-bedroom apartment at the Meridian at Carlyle (meridiancarlyle.com), which is just a couple of blocks from where i'll be working. Its expensive but rated highly on apartmentratings.com (another interesting site) and the location looks prime. The feedback (on the ratings site) was low on the office staff, but they were really nice to me.

We were looking for something fairly close to my work and near the metro before making my decision. It'll be nice to park the vehicle and walk to work, and we can use the subway to get around otherwise. Maybe just use the car for trips to the store.

Here is what i did in my research: got the address of where I was going to work and where I was thinking of of renting and used Yahoo maps to see distances. Google maps (maps.google.com) has the same features and a cool satellite toggle (in the upper right) - you can zoom in and see individual buildings - that i found interesting.

HTH

[guest]

Thanks for the input DCBound...I checked apartmentratings.com as well.  Seems like most of the places got bad reviews though and usually disgruntled tenants seem to be the only ones that want to post on those sites.  I also got good reviews about a place called Avalon at Cameron Court which is about a mile from the office.  Did you by any chance look at that place?  

I got the relocation packet from the PTO, but like you said its really more of a way to help you get started in your search.  I wonder if HR has a listing of new e'ees looking for potential roommates.

Also do you know of any places that may give govt e'ee discounts?  That would be great! I wont hold my breath though.

[DCbound]

Yes, your right about the apartmentratings.com website. Some of the comments people leave are from some really angry people.

Didn't check out the Avalon until now, i did a quick search, but it looks like a good location, close to metro too. You can give HR a call with your questions, but based on the packet i received i don't think they offer much help with housing.

We're paying $1330/month and got into a unit with 10' ceilings which i like. I'm moving from the west coast, so my knowledge is really pretty limited. I'm sure we'll learn volumes about the area in the next year and can re-evaluate housing after this lease is up.