The UNION BLOG

October 7, 2009

1. AMCOM notified the Union that approximately 1400 contractor positions would be converted to government jobs. AFGE will be discussing more about the timelines and locations of the jobs coming in to the workforce and will share as much information as possible with the employees that we represent. A lot of folks have expressed concern about leadership hiring contractors into the job once the conversions take place. All of these actions must be competitive and all of them are subject to challenge. If a contractor appears to have changed badges, call the Union office for assistance.
2. As was mentioned in the previous UNION BLOG, an increase in Local dues will soon take affect, going from $17.50 per pay period to $19.50 in 2010 and $19.75 in 2012. That rate is still below many other national union’s dues. The extra funding is to be used to continue the build up of support for federal issues impacting the employees we represent. This is the first increase since 2007 and we all know how costs have increased since then. This increase is really just to catch us back up to inflation.
3. The Union will soon be taking a case into arbitration where an employee was given a rating below the fully successful level without being given a performance improvement plan (PIP) which is required by both the labor agreement and the agency regulations. The out come of that case will be published when completed.
4. The Union will soon be taking a case into arbitration where an employee of AMRDC was removed from federal service. AFGE National Headquarters in Washington D.C. has appointed an attorney from our General Counsel’s office to handle the case. The outcome of the hearing will be posted to our website when complete.
5. The Local completed arbitration hearing on a removal action in Garrison. Closing briefs have been submitted to the arbitrator and we are awaiting his decision. The Union will post the outcome of that case when actions are completed.
6. The Union will soon be briefed on proposed changes to ATAAPS. Also, in MEDDAC, the Union will be briefed on a policy covering disruptive behavior. In SMDC, the Union will soon be briefed on a policy dealing with workforce development. After initial discussion, the Union will notify the agency(s) of any desire to negotiate. We will provide more information when the process is completed.
7. WANTED: Union Activists to build up our Union. We are always looking for new representatives to aid in the many functions performed by the union. If you are interested in finding out how you can help, simply call 876-4880 and speak with one of our staff to find out more.