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.

In addition, support staff who provide travel related services will be given in-person training. To afford them adequate time to master FedTraveler, they will be provided a grace period of not less than three months to bring their performance related to FedTraveler up to an acceptable level. During this period, no performance-based action will be taken against any such employee for performance deficiencies related to FedTraveler. If you have any questions about FedTraveler implementation, please talk to a Chapter 293 steward.

FLSA Claims Procedure

Employees who are entitled to back-pay under NTEU’s recent FLSA settlement with the SEC should have received a Notice and Claim Form from NTEU and the SEC by March 22, 2008. If you are covered by this settlement but did not receive a form, you should contact David Cunningham in HR (202-551-7897) by May 21, 2008.

Employees who received overtime and/or compensatory time during the applicable recovery period will also soon receive a summary showing the amount of back pay/liquidated damages they will receive. There will be a claims procedure provided for employees who disagree with the SEC’s calculations, or who believe that they worked compensable overtime for which they were not paid at all. Employees who have questions should contact NTEU steward Patricia Copeland (202-551-6855).

4-Day Telework Applications

During implementation of the Expanded Telework Program, there were several employees across the country who requested 4-day telework but who instead were approved for 3-day. As part of continuing discussions with management about this program, Chapter 293 officials entered into an agreement with the SEC concerning these employees.

If you fall into this category, you may reapply for a 4-day telework schedule during the week of March 2-9, 2009.