American Federation of Government Employees
Local 1858
Representing Redstone Arsenal Employees Since 1958

Archived News

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Obama Signs Bill to Repeal NSPS

After six long years of congressional hearings and court fights, AFGE was finally able to shut down the Pentagon's National Security Personnel System when President Obama on Oct. 28 signed the fiscal 2010 Defense Authorization Act with a provision repealing the controversial pay system. The law requires the Defense Department to return the 205,000 NSPS employees to their previous pay systems by Jan.1, 2012.

Read AFGE Week in Review - Oct 28, 2009.

Local 1858 Wins Arbitration Case

AFGE Local 1858 was successful in winning back the job for Mr. HalWeatherman of the Redstone Garrison. Ms. Vicki Fuller, JD representedthe Union in an arbitration case involving the removal of Mr. Weathermanfor 1. AWOL and 2. Failure to follow Letters of Leave Instruction backin October 2008. Please feel free to send any comments you may have onthe case to afgelocal1858@knology.net.    Read (case part1)    (case part2)

Congressional vote on Ending NSPS

Below is a link to the website showing how congress voted on the 2010 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 2647). This is the bill that killed NSPS. Also of note, Congressman Parker Griffith voted AGAINST passage of this legislation. He voted against us!    Read the The Final Vote

Local 1858 October 2009 Blog

  • AMCOM notified the Union that approximately 1400 contractor positions would be converted to government jobs.
  • An increase in Local dues will soon take affect, going from $17.50 per pay period to $19.50 in 2010.
  • Local 1858 will soon be taking two cases into arbitration.
  • Local 1858 completed arbitration hearing on a removal action in Garrison.
  • The Union will soon be briefed on proposed changes to ATAAPS.
  • WANTED: Union Activists to build up our Union.

    Read Local 1858 October 2009 Blog

    Federal Employee Health Insurance Premiums to Skyrocket
      Federal employee health insurance premiums will increase an average of 8.8% in 2010, according to the Office of Personnel Management. In January, a federal worker with individual coverage should expect to pay on average an additional $5.98 a pay period for health insurance, and employees with family coverage should expect to pay an additional $12.87 per pay period. The report by OPM found that federal employees covered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option – which covers 60% of the enrollees in FEHBP – will see an increase of 15% for self coverage and 12% for family coverage.

    Read Article - Take Action
    Join AFGE Local 1858
    Join AFGE Local 1858
     
    Here is why you need to join the Union today:

    Over the past several years, retirements have caused our membership numbers to drop dramatically. Our funding comes from members and without funding, we could lose our Local. If we lose our Local Union we will lose:
    1. AWS
    2. 4-10's
    3. Fair procedures for promotion selections
    4. Ability to challenge any action by the agency
    5. Input into changes affecting our work environment
    6. Ability to stop harmful changes like NSPS
    7. Ability to bargain (over anything)
    8. Our only true employee advocate

    Whether you agree or disagree with all of the actions that the Union takes, you need to join AFGE to make sure that you don't lose this vital tool. After all, who will you turn to for help if we are not here?

    Call 489-8430 or email us at: afgelocal1858@knology.net
    DoD will undertake a review of NSPS
     
    It was announced that the Department of Defense will undertake a review of NSPS. In support of this decision, DoD will delay any further conversions of organizations into NSPS pending the outcome of this review.

    Recognizing that NSPS is an operational system covering 205,000 employees, while the review is in progress, those organizations under NSPS will continue to operate under the NSPS policies regulations and procedures.

    Attached is a copy of Deputy Secretary of Defense Lynn's response to Chairmen Skelton and Ortiz's.

    AFGE to the House Armed Services Committee - NSPS
     
    Statement of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO for the record before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) on Readiness on the National Security Personnel System April 1, 2009.

    On behalf of the more than 250,000 civilian employees of the Department of Defense represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), I thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on the National Security Personnel System (NSPS)... (read letter).

    Gulf War Illness Real - New Federal Report
     
    WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An extensive federal report released Monday concludes that roughly one in four of the 697,000 U.S. veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War suffer from Gulf War illness.

    That illness is a condition now identified as the likely consequence of exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides and a drug administered to protect troops against nerve gas.

    The 452 page report states that "scientific evidence leaves no question that Gulf War illness is a real condition with real causes and serious consequences for affected veterans."  Read CNN Article


    DoD Civilians Forced Deployment in Combat Zones

      To All Bargaining Unit Employees:

    I am posting some information that you should consider reviewing.

    The first document is a package that describes the DOD Expeditionary Workforce. In short, DOD is establishing a corps of DOD civilians that will be subject to deployment with military units. When you are reading the information be sure to consider the requirements for the person in the positions designated as being part of the Expeditionary Workforce (i.e. physical requirements, etc...). Read Document (doc).

    The second document is a Directive Type Memorandum (DTM) in which instructions are being provided to the respective DOD entities for applying the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to civilians who are assigned to military units engaged in declared war or contingency operations. Civilian employees of DOD currently are entitled to protection of rights under the US Constitution and the various statutes/cases that enable it. Rights under the UCMJ are different. I am not versed in the UCMJ so I cannot tell you all of the differences but suffice it to say that you will lose some rights that are guaranteed to civilians. Read Document (pdf).

    Please decide whether you agree or disagree and whether you are willing to voice support or oppose these actions. Below is the POC for sending your comments.

    Please copy afgelocal1858@knology.net so that we can ascertain the will of the people and proceed accordingly.

    Please note that there has been no attempt to implement either of the actions anywhere that we represent on Redstone Arsenal. Right now, this is at the DOD level and sub-element implementation will be in the future.

    Thank you, Don Eiermann, President AFGE Local 1858

    POC to send comments to:

    Michele E. Gonsalves
    Labor Relations Specialist
    Civilian Personnel Management Service
    Department of Defense
    703/696-1263
    Michele.Gonsalves@cpms.osd.mil

    House Committee on Armed Services NSPS Letter to SEC DEF Robert Gates

     
    Dear Secretary Gates:

    The National Security Personnel System (NSPS) of the Department of Defense (DOD) made wholesale changes to the current federal employee system, resulting in widespread distrust and discontent within the ranks of the hundreds of thousands of dedicated DOD employees, both among those who have been converted and those who have not yet been converted to NSPS.

    Read letter: (pdf)

    To the Bargaining Unit Employees of the US AMRDEC

      In settlement of a Union-Employer grievance filed by Local 1858 concerning the process for considering referred candidates under Merit Promotion procedures, the AMRDEC has provided the following to serve as guidance for future promotions for bargaining unit positions:  (pdf)

    Join AFGE Local 1858

     red star  2009 Federal GS Pay Table Huntsville-Decatur, Alabama
    NSPS Harmful Flaws - 10 Reasons NSPS is Bad for You

      President Elect Barack Obama NSPS Position Letter to National AFGE President John Gage  

      Parker Griffith Alabama's New 5th Congressional District Rep NSPS Position Letter to Local 1858  

    Download and Read AFGE News Letter (pdf)

    1. The pay distribution process is not transparent: why

    2. You are rated by managers who don't work with you: why

    3. Your payout is not based on your real performance as ratings are forced into a bell curve: why

    4. Your share of money is given to somebody else because NSPS is budget neutral: why

    5. The amount of money put into different pay pools is decided arbitrarily. Even if you are a top performer, you might get less money simply because your pay pool has less money than others: why

    6. Two employees with identical ratings may not get the same raise and bonus: why

    7. The secret rating process takes time and you end up with less time to improve your performance for next year's payout: why

    8. Managers can promote whomever they want to higher level duties and authorize a pay raise of up to 5 % without competition. You might not even know there's a new position, let alone compete for it: why

    9. Because of pay caps, you are not reaching the top of your pay band, so the extra pay potential is just an illusion: why

    10. Your retirement benefits will be smaller because part of your payout each year may be a bonus instead of a raise. Bonuses are not counted toward retirement: why
    NSPS Regs Published: We Need Your Help!

      On May 22, 2008, DoD and OPM published the revised proposed National Security Personnel System (NSPS) regulations in the Federal Register. Performance payouts, control points (maximum pay caps for specific position within a pay band), promotion/reassignment, retirement benefits, bargaining – these are but a few of the important areas in which NSPS will have an adverse effect on DoD civilians.

    The DoD is accepting comments on the new regulations and we urge you to voice your concerns on how these new regulations will have a catastrophic impact on DoD employees.

    Download and Read NSPS- OPM-2008-0081 (pdf)   (web)

    Take Action! Click here for instructions on how to post comments about the published NSPS Regulation.

    PLEASE RESPOND BY MONDAY JUNE 23, 2008. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

    To AMCOM Bargaining Unit Employees Only

      * * * * * * * *N O T I C E   * * * * * * * *
    On June 11, 2008, the Union was notified that AMCOM will be rescinding AMCOM Policy 690-12 (Merit Promotion and Related Placements).

    If this is done, AMCOM will no longer be required to canvass for any detail, temporary promotion or lateral reassignment. Management will have the ability to select anybody they choose without a governing process and with no accountability (paper trail) whatsoever.

    Read the Rest of the Notice

    We have until June 25, 2008 to present any arguments or proposals for negotiations. Call us at 876-4880 or email us at afge-user@redstone.army.mil to give us your opinion. - Don Eiermann, President: AFGE Local 1858

    John McCain to Reorganize Fed Workforce

      Gov Exec: Read the Gov Exec article on John McCain's reorganization plan and his views of the current Federal workforce.

    McCain Pledges to reorganize Fed Workforce

      Gov Exec: Republican presidential contender John McCain outlined a comprehensive platform for government management reforms Monday, describing steps he would take to boost federal pay and speed firings, tie program funding to yearly evaluations and toughen acquisition rules.

    Read all Read Article at the Government Executive web site.

        AFGE Week in Review
    (Feb. 18, 2008)

  • Over 150 AFGE Members, Activists Rally in Protest of Unsafe Prisons
  • Lawmakers, HR Experts Join AFGE President Gage in Criticizing Pay for Performance
  • AFGE President Gage Calls on Congress to End TSA’s Pay System
  • AFGE Officers Tout Union’s Victories in 2007, Call on Members, Activists
       to Continue Fights in 2008
  • Leading House Lawmakers Voice Support for Government Employees
  • AFGE Locals Urged to Take Advantage of New Outsourcing Rules
  • AFGE Denounces Closings of SSA Offices
  • AFGE Secretary-Treasurer Cox Urges Congress to Mandate AFGE Involvement
       in VA’s Claims Process
  • Don Hale Reselected as DEFCON Chair


    AFGE News for DoD Employees
    Special Edition - Spring 2008

    Most Significant Victories in AFGE’s History

  • Read AFGE News Special Edition (pdf)

    AFGE Wins 3.5% Average Raise for GS, Wage Grade, Non-NSPS Workers
    AFGE Secures Partial Reform of NSPS Pay
    AFGE Ends DoD’s Plan for Kangaroo Court
    After Years of Fighting, AFGE Wins Historic Outsourcing Reforms


    What’s the Deal with NSPS?

    The question of the day (or last several days) has been what’s up with NSPS? The short answer is that for all intensive purposes, NSPS as we knew it is gone - ancient history! Now for a little better explanation of what we know in a non-technical answer.

    Under NSPS, virtually all aspects of civil service would have changed. While I could go into detail on all of the areas that would have been impacted, I think that would only cause more confusion. Suffice it to say that the only areas that are likely to see any significant changes in the future are our pay system (going from GS to a new pay-band system) and performance management system (currently TAPES for most of us).

    If/when the DoD decides to move bargaining unit employees under a new performance management system, that change will require DoD to meet and negotiate with the Union(s). Since these two are joined at the hip so to speak, how we bargain over the new performance management system will have a tremendous impact on our lives.

    Currently, no proposals exist to bring us under a new system. Since virtually all of the law that governs NSPS has now changed, I am sure that DoD will have to revisit their internal policies and regulations governing these topics. With that said, I don’t anticipate any changes to the working conditions for bargaining unit employees during 2008. If that is not the case, I will let you know.

    In summary, for all of the employees covered in bargaining units, no changes are on the visible horizon. And, just like we have been operating for decades, if changes do present themselves, we will be able to negotiate virtually the same as we do today!

    In Solidarity,
    Don Eiermann,
    President AFGE Local 1858


    NSPS   STOPPED

    AFGE and the DEFCON Wins

    President Bush just signed the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, effectively gutting the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The only remnants of that unsavory system are pay banding and pay-for-performance, the latter being subject to negotiations. AFGE and the other DOD unions have been fighting to protect our rights for the last 6 years. It was a long and costly endeavor. In the end, we are victorious! More information will be coming out over the next several weeks, but I do want to let everyone know that, for the bargaining unit, everything will remain the same until we NEGOTIATE and AGREE to any changes.

    LifeLock
    AFGE Week in Review (Nov. 19, 2007)

    Read AFGE Week in Review

    AFGE Joins Hundreds of Workers, Activists in Rally against NLRB:
    Senate Panel Wants More Feds to Telework:
    Covert Testing Case Reiterates Need for Whistleblower Protections for TSA Workers:
    Supreme Court Extends Deadline for NSPS Appeal:
    Alma Lee Re-elected as AFGE VA Council President:
    More Federal Employees Join AFGE:
    Inside Government: Robert Kuttner, author of “The Squandering of America: How the Failure of Our Politics Undermines Our Prosperity”


    Cramer Signs Anti-NSPS Letter Sent to Armed Service Committee

    As the Committee considers the Conference report on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, we request your support for inclusion of language that will fix the misquided and dysfunctional National Security Personal System (NSPS) . . . View Anti-NSPS Letter (pdf)

    Great News for Members of AFGE Local 1858

    AFGE Local 1858 has just entered into a business relationship with LifeLock to bring our members the best rate available for protection against identity theft.

    LifeLock is a premiere identity theft protection company that vows to put up to $1 Million dollars toward restoring your identity if it is ever stolen while you are enrolled in their protection service.

    With the holidays just around the corner, credit protection and identity theft become more of a concern. Please call our Local 1858 office (876-4880) to obtain more information as to what you need to do to sign up for the special rate that our Local has arranged for our members. With your membership, you can sign up all immediate family members under the negotiated rate.

    Partnering with LifeLock is just another way that AFGE Local 1858 is working to protect you and your family. Union membership doesn't cost…it saves! Now it can save your identity too! Call today!

    LifeLock


    View the October 9th Local 1858 NSPS Town Hall Slide Presentation (ppt)

    NSPS Action: Call Your Congressman: AL TN Congressional Contact Information

    Anti-NSPS Sample Letter you can Mail to your Congressman: (doc)   (txt)

    Below are two links for contact info of the members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.
    House Armed Service Committee Members   Senate Armed Services Committee Members

    NSPS: Mismanagement, Legal Challenges, Congressional Action
    2003 - 2007

    In 2003, under the guise of national security, Congress granted the Department of Defense (DoD) the authority to establish a new human resources system and to modify certain labor relations provisions under what was called the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). Read Article
    United DoD Workers Coalition Letter to the Defense Authorization Conferees
    October 1, 2007

    Dear Conferee,

    We the undersigned unions of the United DoD Workers Coalition (UDWC), representing 600,000 Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workers, urge you to support the inclusion of the House language reforming the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) as a part of the Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) Defense Authorization Conference Report. Read Letter (pdf)




    U.S. Senate Finally Hears Us!!!

    AL TN Congressional Contact Information

    On Monday, October 1, 2007 the U.S Senate passed its 2008 Defense Authorization Bill. Contained in that Bill was language that would prevent DoD from modifying Labor Relations (Collective Bargaining) under NSPS. This is a HUGH victory for the DoD employees. However, the war is not over. We must continue to pressure our Congressman and Senators in order to secure enough support in the event that the President follows through with his threat of veto of any bill containing language that would interfere in the SecDefs ability to maximize flexibility with respect to personnel.

    Read Gov Exec Article by Brittany R. Ballenstedt: Senate moves to restrict Defense personnel overhaul

    What to say when you call your Congressmen:

    (Do Not Use Government Phones To Make This Call)

    Receptionist: Senator's office, may I help you?
    AFGE Caller: "Hi, my name is _____________. I'm calling to ask the Senator to honor the work of civilian defense employees and insure that we maintain a strong national defense by supporting the repeal of the National Security Personnel System in the Senate version of the Defense Authorization bill.
    Receptionist: "Thank you for calling. I'll make sure the Senator gets the message."
    AFGE Caller: "Thank you." (You can hang up.)

    NSPS Given Green Light By the US Senate Appropriators

    AL TN Congressional Contact Information
    Senate Appropriators Give NSPS A Green Light: The Senate Defense Appropriations Committee did not follow in the House's footsteps when it passed its version of the 2008 spending bill Sept. 12 without a provision denying funding for major parts of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The Senate Armed Services Committee, however, passed the Defense Authorization bill in May to slightly scale back NSPS. It's not clear when the full Senate is going to take up the bill.

    The House, on the other hand, completely rolled back NSPS when it passed its version of the 2008 Defense Authorization bill in May as urged by AFGE. The House in August also approved an amendment to the 2008 Defense Appropriations bill that would deny funding for major portions of NSPS.

    Bush Threatens Veto over NSPS

    AL TN Congressional Contact Information

    President Bush issued a veto threat over the House Defense appropriations bill due to language added by the Inslee amendment that would bar funding for the continued expansion of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS).

    Shortly thereafter, Bush appointed OMB Director Jim Nussle, sent a strong letter to the US Senate Appropriations Committee, warning them to not add such language to the Senate version of the bill.

    As I mentioned before, we are down to the final battle to keep NSPS in its current form, out of DOD. All of us MUST contact our Senators and Congressmen and impress upon them the need to stop NSPS . The President has turned up the heat and now, so must we!

    AFGE Local 1858 will be holding a town hall on October 9, 2007 in the Bob Jones Auditorium, 1100-1300hrs. If you don't understand NSPS or if you have questions, come to the town hall. If you are against NSPS and want to show your support, come to the town hall. If you are just not sure about any of this, come to the town hall because all of us need each of us to stand together in Solidarity.


    NSPS Update: Message from Don Eiermann, President Local 1858

    (Alabama Congressional contact information)

    To All Bargaining Unit Employees:

    For the better part of 6 years we have been fighting to push back or wipe out the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). Our efforts have thus far kept us free from the Administration's attempt to strip out all of our rights and protections.

    Yesterday, I received word that the stay order, which has been keeping DoD from implementing NSPS to Union covered employees, was rescinded by the Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. What does that mean? Well, it means that at this point, DoD can begin converting ALL employees to the new system effective immediately. Now, that said, we don't believe that DOD is in a position to act upon this new revelation.

    As we near the end of the fiscal year, money is short and the cost to convert all of us would be rather large. For that reason, we do not expect any attempts of mass conversions until FY2008 monies are in place. It is that element which we must affect (FY2008 Defense Authorization bill) if we are to remain free from NSPS.

    The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed amendments to DOD's funding measures that would either strip out the negative impacts of NSPS or would bar funding of the new system. The U.S. Senate has not gone quite as far.

    From now and until the FY2008 Defense Authorization bill is approved, we MUST bring pressure to bear on Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby. When I say we, I mean me and ALL of you who are federal employees (and family members) must either pick up the phone to call the Senators' offices and/or write them emails and letters demanding that they support our interests.

    Folks, the matter is in our hands and the time has come to act. Years ago, a large majority of civil servants remained quiet when congress considered moving federal employees from CSRS to FERS. As a result, CSRS was replaced by an inferior retirement plan. The only thing that was needed was some calls and letters. I can't stress enough the significance of what is taking place.

    While many of you have heard about the NSPS pay system, the changes that will take place far exceed just that aspect. In fact, we (and I mean all of us in the Labor Relations arena, UNION and CPOC/CPAC) do not really know all the facets that will have to be addressed and the subsequent impact to the workforce. What I can tell you is that our position as a collective entity will be severely diminished in comparison with what we have today.

    Please check our website frequently over the next 2-3months for updated information as to the actions surrounding NSPS and our battle to save our rights. Form letters and contact information will be posted over the next few days/weeks and we ask that you take a few minutes to let the Senators' hear from you. If you do make contact with them, we would like to hear from you. AFGE Locals from around the world will be rallying to this cause and we would like to recognize you for your efforts and let the entire AFGE family know that Redstone did its part.

    In Solidarity,
    Don Eiermann, President
    AFGE Local 1858
    Congress Blocks Funding for New DoD Personnel System

    (WASHINGTON) - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents more than 200,000 Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, today lauded House members for their overwhelming bipartisan support of a bill that blocks funding of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) for civilian defense workers.

    U.S Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced an amendment to the FY08 Defense Appropriations bill blocking funding for the DoD's proposed personnel system, which essentially guts civilian employee rights.

    "In May, the House overwhelmingly rejected NSPS as costly and misguided by including in its 2008 Defense Authorization Bill language striking down major portions of the system," said John Gage, national president of AFGE. "The House said it then, and now is saying again that NSPS must be stopped."

    The Government Accountability Office recently released a report detailing the exceedingly high cost of implementing the system. It also expressed serious doubts as to whether DoD could implement NSPS at its estimated cost. (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07851.pdf)

    In February 2006, AFGE and its partners in the United Defense Workers Coalition won a decisive ruling in the U.S. District Court against NSPS. Judge Emmet G. Sullivan's ruling gutted NSPS provisions pertaining to labor relations, collective bargaining, independent third party review, adverse actions, and DoD's proposed internal labor relations panel. The ruling was overturned this May in a sharply divided 2-1 decision by the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

    "AFGE has dedicated itself to protecting DoD employees from being subject to unfair working conditions," Gage said. "We are confident in today's action. We have no doubt that in the end, DoD employees will be treated fairly and in a just manner."

    AFGE Local 1858 Welcomes Back Marcia! (view photos)
    Download AFGE Arbitration Decision
    Download Arbitration Decision (tif)

    MEMORANDUM: 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
    To: National Executive Council
    From: Beth Moten Legislative and Political Director
    Date: June 6, 2007
    Subject: National Security Personnel System

    The Senate Armed Services Committee filed its version of the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill this week. It is tentatively scheduled for floor consideration the week of June 25th.

    The Senate National Security Personnel System (NSPS) provisions, while an improvement over current law, do not go as far as the House bill, and we will be working hard to ensure that in the final conference between the House and Senate, that as much of the House language is retained as possible.

    The Senate bill does the following:

    1. excludes all wage grade employees from all of NSPS;

    2. restores chapter 71 collective bargaining rights, but fails to eliminate section (k) of current law, which allows the department unfettered discretion to make monumental changes to qualification standards, recruitment, and appointments to positions, assignments, detailing, transferring and promotions, reductions-in-force protections, and veterans preference. Section (k) must be eliminated for any true restoration of collective bargaining rights to be ensured.

    3. prevents the negotiation of any "rate of pay established or adjusted in accordance with the requirements of this section". Potentially, this leaves open the possibility of negotiating about design and implementation of new pay systems.

    The House bill, by contrast, does not exempt entire classes of employees, such as Wage Grade. However, it does the following:

    1. restores completely the statutory authority for collective bargaining rights;
    2. restores the statutory authority establishing an independent appeal for employees facing adverse actions;
    3. permits the department to move forward with its new pay system but requires full collective bargaining before it can be applied to rank-and-file employees.

    We are not planning a Senate floor amendment on NSPS, but rather we will work to persuade the Senate to agree to the House version when the bill goes to conference.

    AFGE will be developing lobbying and grassroots materials for the joint House-Senate conference on NSPS in the near future.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    April/May 2007

    The AFGE
    Government
    Standard
    (pdf)
    Government Standard Apr/May

    bargaining unit employees bill of rights
    Download Bargaining Unit Bill of Rights: (doc) (html)

    Border Patrol agents sentenced to prison: 11-12 years for shooting drug-smuggling suspect in buttocks as he fled across frontier. Boreder Patrol Agents Story

    Alabama Senators Shelby and Sessions vote against collective bargaining rights for the Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). Click here for more information.
    Click here to tell Senators Shelby and Sessions voting against federal employees is inexcusable. More Congressional contact information - - Phone numbers, email and mailing adressess.

    Local 1858 AFGE 2006 Christmas Luncheon Photos

    New Dental and Vision Benefits - Open season Nov 13 to Dec 11 2006 (pdf)

    Judge Rules: Bush Violates 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act


    Mr. Dennis Garrison, former Local 1858 President, passed away on June 9, 2006, at Huntsville Hospital.


    Important Announcement from Local 1858 President Don Eiermann
    I urge you to use the letter that appears below to contact your Congressional Representative today or or over the weekend. If you forward it by email to Congress, please USE YOUR PRIVATE COMPUTER AND PRIVATE EMAIL ADDRESS ONLY. DO NOT FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE ON GOVERNMENT EMAIL. If you have any questions, please call me. Thanks. Download Letter: (txt)   (rtf)



    National Security Personnel System (NSPS) Spriral 1.2 (pdf)

    Due to recent events, (termination of an employee for failing the class) , AFGE Local 1858 is highly discouraging enrollment in the Army Acquisition Basic Course (AABC), Course Catalog Number ALMC-QA 907A, to meet DAU Certification Requirements. Use DAU schedule and take the required individual courses. It may take a little longer, but it is a much safer route!

    Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the DHS MaxHR system: AFGE and the other unions involved in this case faired very well! (read) (pdf)

    FY07 Defense Authorization Conference and Proposals to Contract Out Security, Fire Fighting , and Depot Maintenance Functions. Download (doc) letter and send to your representatives. (Alabama congressional contact information)

    Mark Up of Senate FY07 Defense Authorization Bill: URGENT: Report on Mark Up of Senate FY07 Defense Authorization Bill (read) (download)
    Key Lawmakers: All Representatives and Senators on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees:
    http://www.house.gov/hasc/about/members.html
    http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm

    Funding Cuts - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Washington (AP) - Cuts in funding and staff at the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are threatening job security for millions of Americans, a federal workers' union claims in a new ad campaign. (read)

    AFGE News Letter May-June 2006 (rtf)   NSPS & You: GS vs NSPS (ppt) (web)

    Whistler Blower Protection: AFGE National President Says Union Protection Needed Now More Than Ever . . . (read) (Alabama congressional contact information) Rally in Washington D.C. On July 12th 2005 AFGE and the United Defense Workers Coalition (UDWC) conducted a rally in Washington D.C. regarding the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). - (view photos)

     Local 1858 Recognition Certificate

     AFGE and Garrison Redstone Sign 1st Labor Contract May 13, 2004 -- Click here