Q. I was asked to return to my previous position as a rehire annuitant. I pursued the offer by applying for the announced position. I was then selected for the job but only offered a Step 1 in my retirement grade level. At the time of my retirement, I was a Step 6. The hiring official tried hard to convince the third line manager to approve my special qualifications with no avail. In the end, I was offered a lower salary than I had at the time of my retirement. Fair? Any rights?
A. As a re-employed annuitant, you at an “at will” employee. The agency that hires you isn’t required to match your previous grade and/or pay. You, in turn, can either accept or reject their offer.