May, 2008: In February, the SEC announced its intention to suspend its merit pay program for 2008 by temporarily separating it from the performance evaluation process, while it continues to work with NTEU to create a new, fairer process for evaluating employees. In April, NTEU and the SEC reached an agreement on implementation of this temporary separation of merit pay from the appraisal process.

May, 2008: In April, Chapter 293 filed a national grievance challenging the new attire policy imposed by Lori Richards, the Director of the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”).

May, 2008: A few weeks ago, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson issued the Blueprint for Reform of Federal Financial Regulatory Agencies (a copy of this document is available on the “Resources” page of Chapter 293's website). This proposal obviously has the potential to have a substantial impact on the work lives of NTEU members at the SEC, as well as at a number of other agencies. Also affected would be the investors, consumers and others who rely upon the critical work performed by NTEU members at these important agencies.

May, 2008: Chapter 293 is continuing to recruit union members who are willing to participate in the development of performance appraisal parameters for their positions. If you are interested in working on this important project, please contact Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman.

May, 2008:

Pay Raise Work Continues

On May 7, 2008, the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the Armed Services Committee voted out its portion of the Department of Defense authorization bill (H.R. 5658) with a provision that provides a 3.9 percent pay raise for the military.

The measure was passed by the full House Armed Services Committee on May 14, 2008. The subcommittee’s action follows the Senate Armed Services Committee’s reported bill last week with an identical raise.

NTEU has worked hard to achieve this pay raise recommendation on both sides of Congress. It is in the interest of pay parity and the basis of our work to fight for a 3.9 percent pay raise for federal employees.

May, 2008:

Gilman Speaks at FWRO and NYRO

NTEU recently held representational luncheons for bargaining unit employees in New York and Fort Worth. On March 26, Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman and NTEU Representative Ralph Talarico made a presentation at the NYRO, and on April 9, Gilman and NTEU Representative Dennis Schneider spoke to employees at the FWRO.

At both presentations, a range of issues were discussed, including the CBA, pay raises, merit pay, alternative work schedules and telework. These successful events were extremely well attended. Thanks to NYRO stewards Joel Crepea, John Graubard, Azam Riaz and Belinda Rodriguez, and to FWRO steward John Popham, for setting up these luncheons.

FedTraveler Implementation

Chapter 293 and the SEC have entered into an agreement concerning impact and implementation with respect to the new FedTraveler system.

Under this agreement, support employees who currently make travel reservations will continue to perform those functions under the new system. Traveling employees will not be required to perform those functions. Importantly, no RIF or layoffs will occur.

May 2008:

In March and April, the new Expanded Telework Trial Program went into effect. Under this new program, which resulted from NTEU’s recent Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, employees who have in the past participated in recurring telework arrangements at the SEC will be working from home for 3, 4 and in some cases 5 days per week. This program represents a major step forward for the continued expansion of telework opportunities at the SEC. Indeed, many federal agencies have not seen this type of forward progress on telework in recent years.