WHEN UNCLE SAM WILL PAY FOR A CAR WASH

Almost never, but there is an exception that was just certified for the Civilian Board for Contract Appeals (CBCA).  That board handles travel voucher disputes for federal employees who cannot grieve and arbitrate the issue. In the recent case of Glenn F., CBCA 7227TRAV (11/24/21) the Board reversed an agency decision not to reimburse an employee the cost of washing his rental car.  The Board reasoned that the claimant’s cost for washing his rental car is allowable because he was restoring the car to its condition when he first rented it, and his action avoided additional charges from the rental car company if he returned it dirty.  While we would not label this a huge win for workers, every little bit helps.