On May 20/05, DID reported on the ongoing battle between the Pentagon and its unions over streamlined appeals processes, market-based compensation, merit pay, et. al. Now similar proposed changes at the amalgamated Department of Homeland Security have been struck down by a DC appeals court judge in Civil Action No. 05-201: National Treasury Employees Union, Et Al., v. Michael Chertoff, Secretary, Department Of Homeland Security, Et Al.
GovExec.com has coverage and also a full copy of the decision [PDF format] The Washington Post notes that the unions have called on Chertoff to meet with them in the wake of this decision, that the administration is reviewing the decision and what it may mean for its broader cause of civil service reform, and that plans for the new National Security Personnel System at the Pentagon have not changed.