6/28/12: A conference committee working on the Transportation bill, H.R.4348, has reached agreement on that bill. The NTEU-supported phased retirement proposal for federal employees is included in that conference agreement. Under this proposal, which was also included in the President’s FY 2013 budget, federal agencies would have the discretion to permit employees who are eligible for retirement to work a reduced schedule while simultaneously collecting a portion of their retirement benefit.
Under the pending conference agreement, federal employees opting for phased retirement (with their... Read more ...
Union News Archive
06/25/2012
6/25/12: SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro today posted this notice to all SEC employees as part of a settlement with the Federal Labor Relations Authority of a bad faith bargaining unfair labor practices charge against the agency.
In this case, the FLRA alleged that the SEC engaged in what is known as “surface bargaining” in connection with its negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Union. "Surface bargaining" is bad faith bargaining without a real intent to reach agreement. The FLRA alleged, among other things, that the SEC needlessly prolonged CBA bargaining by... Read more ...
In this case, the FLRA alleged that the SEC engaged in what is known as “surface bargaining” in connection with its negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Union. "Surface bargaining" is bad faith bargaining without a real intent to reach agreement. The FLRA alleged, among other things, that the SEC needlessly prolonged CBA bargaining by... Read more ...
06/20/2012
6/20/12: The SEC this week entered into a settlement agreement with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) and the National Treasury Employees Union resolving an unfair labor practices complaint filed against the SEC. The matter had been scheduled for an evidentiary hearing on June 26. The SEC agreed to enter into the settlement after receiving the FLRA's evidence and witness list, which indicated that the FLRA intended to call SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro as well as Jeff Risinger, the SEC's former Director of the Office of Human Resources (OHR) and Chief Human Capital Officer, who would... Read more ...
06/06/2012
6/6/12: This week, the Federal Labor Relations Authority issued another unfair labor practice complaint against the SEC for failure to bargain with the union over changes to employees' job duties in the Los Angeles Regional Office (LARO). The matter has been scheduled for an evidentiary hearing on August 29, 2012.
The case involves management's changes to the duties of several employees in the LARO. According to the FLRA's complaint, the agency implemented these changes without sufficient prior notice to the union and an opportunity to bargain. In addition, the complaint alleges that... Read more ...
The case involves management's changes to the duties of several employees in the LARO. According to the FLRA's complaint, the agency implemented these changes without sufficient prior notice to the union and an opportunity to bargain. In addition, the complaint alleges that... Read more ...
06/06/2012
6/6/12: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government approved its FY 2013 appropriations measure today. The bill does not allocate funding for a 2013 federal pay raise, but also does not require a pay freeze for 2013. It includes a small $50 million increase in the SEC's budget over FY 2012.
As you know, the President has recommended a 0.5% pay increase for civilian federal employees in FY 2013. The fact that the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee bill is silent on the 2013 pay raise is not an issue at this time. NTEU... Read more ...
As you know, the President has recommended a 0.5% pay increase for civilian federal employees in FY 2013. The fact that the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee bill is silent on the 2013 pay raise is not an issue at this time. NTEU... Read more ...
06/04/2012
6/4/12: Late last week, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley sent this letter to President Obama urging opposition to a proposal to use federal employee pension contribution increases to offset student loan interest rate reductions. The proposal came in the form of a letter from House Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Whip, John Kyl to the President.
In her letter, Kelley pointed out that federal employees have already contributed $60 billion to deficit reduction through a two year pay freeze and another $... Read more ...
In her letter, Kelley pointed out that federal employees have already contributed $60 billion to deficit reduction through a two year pay freeze and another $... Read more ...
05/30/2012
5/30/12: A new report released this week by the Partnership for Public Service shows that federal employees’ satisfaction with their compensation is dropping, but also that levels of satisfaction vary widely between federal agencies. The report provides further evidence of persistent problems with human capital management at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Partnership’s new report compares the SEC directly to another similarly situated financial regulator, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Employees at the FDIC, which was the highest-ranked Best Places to Work large... Read more ...
The Partnership’s new report compares the SEC directly to another similarly situated financial regulator, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Employees at the FDIC, which was the highest-ranked Best Places to Work large... Read more ...
05/23/2012
5/30/12: Over the past year, the SEC has quietly transformed its Employment Relations unit in the Office of Human Resources. Many of the new staffers, including several managers, who now work in this important office come from another agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These changes may be shifting the culture of the SEC towards the more negative DHS approach to managing human capital.
The Employment Relations unit has an important impact upon your worklife. It is responsible for dealing with relations between the SEC... Read more ...
The Employment Relations unit has an important impact upon your worklife. It is responsible for dealing with relations between the SEC... Read more ...
05/16/2012
5/16/12: Yesterday, Congressman Barney Frank gave a speech on financial regulation at the SEC at the invitation of NTEU Chapter 293. During his visit, Congressman Frank also accepted an award from the Union.
Frank visited the Boston Regional Office for the lunch event which was videocast to all of the SEC's other regional offices and headquarters in Washington, D.C. He spoke for about an hour on a broad range of topics, including the necessity of strong financial regulation, the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, and the need for a strong Volcker rule. Hundreds of employees from around the... Read more ...
Frank visited the Boston Regional Office for the lunch event which was videocast to all of the SEC's other regional offices and headquarters in Washington, D.C. He spoke for about an hour on a broad range of topics, including the necessity of strong financial regulation, the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, and the need for a strong Volcker rule. Hundreds of employees from around the... Read more ...
05/15/2012
5/15/12: There is no place in the highway funding bill currently under discussion by House-Senate conferees for a provision to change federal pensions to fund that measure, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley told conferees in this letter today.
“Further cuts to federal compensation will seriously impair the government’s ability to attract or retain talented employees and should not even be under consideration in this conference committee,” wrote President Kelley.
The NTEU leader was responding to reports that one or more of the conferees had raised the idea of providing savings for S.... Read more ...
“Further cuts to federal compensation will seriously impair the government’s ability to attract or retain talented employees and should not even be under consideration in this conference committee,” wrote President Kelley.
The NTEU leader was responding to reports that one or more of the conferees had raised the idea of providing savings for S.... Read more ...
05/11/2012
5/11/12: Congress must ensure that parity is reinstated between the transit and parking portions of the commuter benefit in final highway funding bill providing relief to America’s employees facing high commuting costs, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley said in a letter this week to conferees negotiating the bill.
“The mass transit commuter benefit provides much needed relief in the form of reduced commuting costs for many working people, including tens of thousands of federal employees who rely on public transportation to get to and from work,” wrote Kelley.
Parity between the two... Read more ...
“The mass transit commuter benefit provides much needed relief in the form of reduced commuting costs for many working people, including tens of thousands of federal employees who rely on public transportation to get to and from work,” wrote Kelley.
Parity between the two... Read more ...
05/11/2012
5/11/12: The House of Representatives’ approval yesterday of the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012 (H.R. 5652) represents yet another attack on the federal workforce and advances an unfair and illogical partisan budget that fails to address what the American people want or need, said NTEU National President Colleen Kelley.
“The latest budget measure pushed by House leadership assaults Americans’ sense of fairness by undercutting vital services and singling out middle class federal employees to yet again foot the bill,” said Kelley. “Rather than making a serious attempt to... Read more ...
“The latest budget measure pushed by House leadership assaults Americans’ sense of fairness by undercutting vital services and singling out middle class federal employees to yet again foot the bill,” said Kelley. “Rather than making a serious attempt to... Read more ...
05/11/2012
5/11/12: The SEC informed NTEU this week that the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) will be available for SEC employee participation soon, probably as early as next week. NTEU Chapter 293 strongly encourages all SEC employees to take this important opportunity to provide feedback about the agency by responding to this confidential survey.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is already administering the FEVS governmentwide. This survey initative has been in place since 2002. It measures employees' perceptions of whether, and to what extent, conditions that characterize... Read more ...
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is already administering the FEVS governmentwide. This survey initative has been in place since 2002. It measures employees' perceptions of whether, and to what extent, conditions that characterize... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was Sue Schneider from OCIE.
Sue was honored not only for her work as a Union steward but also for being one of the top recruiters of new members at the SEC.
"The employees in OCIE should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering her time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said. "I... Read more ...
Sue was honored not only for her work as a Union steward but also for being one of the top recruiters of new members at the SEC.
"The employees in OCIE should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering her time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said. "I... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was Tom Melton of the SLRO.
Tom was honored not only for his work as a Union steward but also for being one of the top recruiters of new members.
"The employees in the SLRO should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering his time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said. "I know that... Read more ...
Tom was honored not only for his work as a Union steward but also for being one of the top recruiters of new members.
"The employees in the SLRO should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering his time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said. "I know that... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 members were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was Terry Coley in OAS.
Terry was honored for being a top recruiter of new Union members in Headquarters.
"The employees in OAS should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said.
Terry was honored for being a top recruiter of new Union members in Headquarters.
"The employees in OAS should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said.
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was Danny Gay of OFM.
Danny, who was unable to travel to the conference, was honored for his work as a Union steward and also for his efforts to recruit new members. During the past year, Danny has handled numerous matters for the union, from small cases to talks with management about various program changes.
"The employees in OFM should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual... Read more ...
Danny, who was unable to travel to the conference, was honored for his work as a Union steward and also for his efforts to recruit new members. During the past year, Danny has handled numerous matters for the union, from small cases to talks with management about various program changes.
"The employees in OFM should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was Allan Capute of OGC.
Allan, who was unable to travel to the conference, was honored for his work as a Union steward and also for his efforts to recruit new members.
"The employees in OGC should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering his time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently... Read more ...
Allan, who was unable to travel to the conference, was honored for his work as a Union steward and also for his efforts to recruit new members.
"The employees in OGC should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering his time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's national steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their leadership roles over this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was April Keyes of OIEA.
April, who serves as the Secretary of NTEU Chapter 293, was honored for her work as a Union steward and also for all of the time that she has volunteered to assist in organizing special events for the Union over the last year.
"The employees in OIEA should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering her time and energy to make a positive... Read more ...
April, who serves as the Secretary of NTEU Chapter 293, was honored for her work as a Union steward and also for all of the time that she has volunteered to assist in organizing special events for the Union over the last year.
"The employees in OIEA should be very proud to have among them such a talented individual who is volunteering her time and energy to make a positive... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's National Steward Training Conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work for SEC employees over this past year. Among the recipients of Leadership Awards was OIA attorney Michael Moore.
During the past year, Michael has continued to serve with distinction as Chapter 293's Chief Steward, coordinating the work of numerous other Union leaders in Headquarters. He was recognized for his work on a myriad of disciplinary cases at the SEC. As a direct result of his important work for SEC employees, the Union has been able to continue... Read more ...
During the past year, Michael has continued to serve with distinction as Chapter 293's Chief Steward, coordinating the work of numerous other Union leaders in Headquarters. He was recognized for his work on a myriad of disciplinary cases at the SEC. As a direct result of his important work for SEC employees, the Union has been able to continue... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's National Steward Training Conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work on national programs this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was PLRO Staff Accountant Michael Nally.
Mike, who was unable to attend the conference, was recognized again for his work on Chapter 293's National OCIE Reorganization Team, which continued to work during the past year meeting with senior management officials to address employee issues related to the reorganization of OCIE. His work and that of the team have had a substantial impact... Read more ...
Mike, who was unable to attend the conference, was recognized again for his work on Chapter 293's National OCIE Reorganization Team, which continued to work during the past year meeting with senior management officials to address employee issues related to the reorganization of OCIE. His work and that of the team have had a substantial impact... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work on national programs this past year. Among the recipients of these awards was SFRO Securities Compliance Examiner Jeff Lyttle.
Jeff, who was unable to attend the conference, was recognized again for his work on Chapter 293's National OCIE Reorganization Team, which continued to work during the past year meeting with senior management officials to address employee issues related to the reorganization of OCIE. His work and that of the team have had a substantial... Read more ...
Jeff, who was unable to attend the conference, was recognized again for his work on Chapter 293's National OCIE Reorganization Team, which continued to work during the past year meeting with senior management officials to address employee issues related to the reorganization of OCIE. His work and that of the team have had a substantial... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's National Steward Training Conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work for SEC employees during the past year. Among the recipients of Leadership Awards were Corp Fin employees James Giugliano, Corey Jennings, Kate McHale, Kevin Stertzel, Dean Suehiro and Kay Reid. These individuals have made numerous contributions to SEC employees as Union representatives.
Kevin Stertzel, who was not present at the conference, is currently serving as one of five members of the SEC Labor Management Forum, which was formed as a result of... Read more ...
Kevin Stertzel, who was not present at the conference, is currently serving as one of five members of the SEC Labor Management Forum, which was formed as a result of... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's National Steward Training Conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work on national programs this past year. Among the recipients of these Leadership Awards was Joyce Segura of OIT.
Joyce was recognized for her participation on Chapter 293's national Collective Bargaining Team. That team is currently negotiating with management over our basic Union contract at the SEC, which addresses a wide range of employee programs and rights, including telework and alternative work schedules.
In addition, Joyce has also represented SEC... Read more ...
Joyce was recognized for her participation on Chapter 293's national Collective Bargaining Team. That team is currently negotiating with management over our basic Union contract at the SEC, which addresses a wide range of employee programs and rights, including telework and alternative work schedules.
In addition, Joyce has also represented SEC... Read more ...
05/06/2012
5/6/12: During NTEU's National Steward Training Conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work on national programs this past year. Among the recipients of these Leadership Awards was Pat Copeland of the Division of Investment Management.
Pat was recognized for her leadership on many fronts. She is currently serving as one of five members of the SEC Labor Management Forum. As a Forum member, Pat meets regularly with senior management in Washington to raise and address national labor-management issues at the SEC.
Pat also is a member of Chapter 293's... Read more ...
Pat was recognized for her leadership on many fronts. She is currently serving as one of five members of the SEC Labor Management Forum. As a Forum member, Pat meets regularly with senior management in Washington to raise and address national labor-management issues at the SEC.
Pat also is a member of Chapter 293's... Read more ...