President's Perspective, October 2008: The recent national merit pay arbitration settlement between NTEU and the SEC is the latest milestone in the union’s continuing efforts to resolve fundamental problems with the agency’s pay for performance system. While we still have considerable ground left to cover, it is important to recognize the positive changes that have occurred at the agency as a result of the union’s efforts.
The settlement provides salary increases and $2.7 million in monetary relief to all employees aged 40 and over and to all African-American employees in grades 8 and above... Read more ...
Union News Archive
10/14/2008
On October 29th, at the SEC Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration, the SEC will announce the formation of a Veterans Committee. The Veterans Committee principal founder is Susan Schneider, veteran and union steward in OCIE, HQ. Veterans are recognized by the EEO office as an affinity group, and the committee formation has been supported by Chairman Cox and Human Resources and is being sponsored by Commissioner Casey. (Note - the Veterans Committee is not a special emphasis program, which are designated solely by the President through an Executive Order and supported by the EEO... Read more ...
10/14/2008
Kathy Cash has had an interesting journey on her way to becoming an NTEU member; she was told by SEC management that she couldn’t join, but she fought her way in.
This is Kathy’s second stint with the Commission. She originally came to work at the Los Angeles Regional Office in the 1980s, and then left for a couple of years to go to the Federal Trade Commission. She returned in late 1992 as a legal technician, and then became secretary to the Regional Director. After that Director left, Kathy became a Program Support Assistant, and she was working in that capacity when we unionized.
That’s... Read more ...
This is Kathy’s second stint with the Commission. She originally came to work at the Los Angeles Regional Office in the 1980s, and then left for a couple of years to go to the Federal Trade Commission. She returned in late 1992 as a legal technician, and then became secretary to the Regional Director. After that Director left, Kathy became a Program Support Assistant, and she was working in that capacity when we unionized.
That’s... Read more ...
10/14/2008
Gilman Visits LARO
In September, Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman visited the Los Angeles Regional Office. While there, he met with individual members and leaders regarding various matters. He also attended a luncheon for LARO members, at which he made a representational presentation concerning merit pay, the pay raise, telework and other issues. The LARO event was well attended. Thank you to LARO members Kathy Cash, Sue Hannan, Karen Matteson and John Britt.
Upward Mobility Committee Moves Forward
The Upward Mobility Committee recently met with management officials to discuss the adoption... Read more ...
In September, Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman visited the Los Angeles Regional Office. While there, he met with individual members and leaders regarding various matters. He also attended a luncheon for LARO members, at which he made a representational presentation concerning merit pay, the pay raise, telework and other issues. The LARO event was well attended. Thank you to LARO members Kathy Cash, Sue Hannan, Karen Matteson and John Britt.
Upward Mobility Committee Moves Forward
The Upward Mobility Committee recently met with management officials to discuss the adoption... Read more ...
10/14/2008
Pending legislation to provide federal employees with domestic partners the same access as married employees and their spouses to participate in benefit programs would underscore the federal government’s traditional role as a model employer, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley told a Senate committee on September 23.
Traditionally, the private sector is encouraged, but not mandated, to adopt employee benefit programs in place in the federal government through its good example and resulting market forces as the nation’s largest employer, Kelley said. However, she said, in this situation we... Read more ...
Traditionally, the private sector is encouraged, but not mandated, to adopt employee benefit programs in place in the federal government through its good example and resulting market forces as the nation’s largest employer, Kelley said. However, she said, in this situation we... Read more ...
10/14/2008
On September 25, 2008, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced premium increases for enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) for 2009. According to OPM, the average cost of premiums for FEHBP will rise by 7 percent in 2009. The average share of the premium paid by federal employees and retirees will increase by 7.9 percent. Like last year, OPM tapped into FEHBP’s reserve funds and used 3.1 percent of the reserve fund to keep premium increases from reaching double digits.
NTEU regrets that OPM did not do a better job leveraging the size of the FEHBP to get a... Read more ...
NTEU regrets that OPM did not do a better job leveraging the size of the FEHBP to get a... Read more ...
10/14/2008
October is the open period for enrolling in the new union-negotiated Leave Sharing Program at the SEC.
Under this new program, participating employees will donate one pay period’s worth of annual leave each year to a “Leave Bank” – typically 6 or 8 hours – and that leave will be available to assist any participant who needs additional leave to deal with a medical emergency faced by the employee or his or her family member. In the event of such a medical emergency, any participant who has used up all of his or her sick leave and annual leave may apply to the Leave Bank Board for additional... Read more ...
Under this new program, participating employees will donate one pay period’s worth of annual leave each year to a “Leave Bank” – typically 6 or 8 hours – and that leave will be available to assist any participant who needs additional leave to deal with a medical emergency faced by the employee or his or her family member. In the event of such a medical emergency, any participant who has used up all of his or her sick leave and annual leave may apply to the Leave Bank Board for additional... Read more ...
10/14/2008
NTEU’s persistent efforts to provide federal employees with a much-deserved higher pay raise paid off on September 30 when the president signed into law H.R. 2638, a $600 billion continuing resolution package that included an average 3.9 percent federal pay raise for 2009. This NTEU-sought pay raise is a full percentage higher than the president’s original budget request of 2.9 percent earlier this year.
The Senate passed the continuing resolution bill on September 28 after the House approved it on September 24. It was necessary to pass a “continuing resolution” because Congress had not... Read more ...
The Senate passed the continuing resolution bill on September 28 after the House approved it on September 24. It was necessary to pass a “continuing resolution” because Congress had not... Read more ...
10/14/2008
NTEU has reached a favorable settlement agreement with the SEC calling for payment of a total of $2.7 million to African-American employees and employees ages 40 and older who suffered discrimination under the agency’s embattled merit pay program. The settlement also provides for current salary adjustments for these employees. In addition, it includes provisions for the SEC to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Chapter 293 that will implement a variety of initiatives focused on diversity issues at the agency, which were recommended by Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman.
NTEU National... Read more ...
NTEU National... Read more ...
10/06/2008
10/6/2008: I am pleased to be able to tell you that NTEU has reached a favorable settlement — including $2.7 million in back pay, as well as salary adjustments — in resolution of its grievances challenging the lawfulness of the SEC’s arbitrary and subjective merit pay program.
Most obviously, hundreds of employees will receive back pay and current salary adjustments under the settlement, but in the broader picture, this is a major victory for all SEC employees, and will serve everyone well moving ahead.
I say that this is a victory for all SEC employees because it exposed the inherent... Read more ...
Most obviously, hundreds of employees will receive back pay and current salary adjustments under the settlement, but in the broader picture, this is a major victory for all SEC employees, and will serve everyone well moving ahead.
I say that this is a victory for all SEC employees because it exposed the inherent... Read more ...
10/06/2008
10/6/08: I wanted to provide further detail about the comprehensive settlement agreement, announced today by NTEU National President Colleen Kelley, that NTEU has signed with the SEC involving our national grievances alleging discrimination in the SEC’s "pay for performance" program from 2003 through 2007. While this is a significant achievement on behalf of those employees who will receive a monetary settlement, it is also an important step in establishing a fair pay system for all SEC employees.
Here are the details:
Under the agreement, the SEC will pay a total sum of $2.7 million to... Read more ...
Here are the details:
Under the agreement, the SEC will pay a total sum of $2.7 million to... Read more ...
10/02/2008
10/2/08: On the evening of September 30, 2008, the President signed into law H.R. 2638, the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Resolution package just prior to the end of the fiscal year. The new public law is PL 110-329 and contains the 3.9 percent pay raise and numerous other NTEU-backed provisions reported earlier.
This law funds agencies for programs covered by the nine unfinished appropriations bills (including the Treasury Department) at 2008 levels until enactment of their bills or until March 6, 2009, whichever comes first. The Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and Veteran Affairs... Read more ...
This law funds agencies for programs covered by the nine unfinished appropriations bills (including the Treasury Department) at 2008 levels until enactment of their bills or until March 6, 2009, whichever comes first. The Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and Veteran Affairs... Read more ...
09/29/2008
9/29/08: NTEU’s persistent efforts over the past year to provide federal employees with a much-deserved higher raise in 2009 have paid off.
The House and Senate have approved a continuing resolution including an average 3.9 percent pay raise for federal employees. The NTEU-sought figure is a full percentage higher than the president's budget request of 2.9 percent.
“This action sends the right message to the women and men of the federal workforce— namely, that their continuing contributions to the well-being of our nation are recognized and appreciated,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley... Read more ...
The House and Senate have approved a continuing resolution including an average 3.9 percent pay raise for federal employees. The NTEU-sought figure is a full percentage higher than the president's budget request of 2.9 percent.
“This action sends the right message to the women and men of the federal workforce— namely, that their continuing contributions to the well-being of our nation are recognized and appreciated,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley... Read more ...
09/29/2008
9/29/08: On September 25, 2008, OPM announced premium increases for enrollees in FEHBP for 2009. According to OPM, the average cost of premiums for FEHBP will rise by 7 percent in 2009. The average share of the premium paid by federal employees and retirees will increase by 7.9 percent. Like last year, OPM tapped into FEHBP’s reserve funds and used 3.1 percent of the reserve fund to keep premium increases from reaching double digits.
NTEU regrets that OPM did not do a better job leveraging the size of the FEHBP to get a better deal for enrollees. Enrollees in some plans, such as Blue Cross/... Read more ...
NTEU regrets that OPM did not do a better job leveraging the size of the FEHBP to get a better deal for enrollees. Enrollees in some plans, such as Blue Cross/... Read more ...
09/25/2008
9/25/08: An average seven percent increase in 2009 health care premiums for federal employees and retirees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) indicates that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is still not doing an adequate job in leveraging the weight of the largest health plan in the United States to keep costs down.
“The need to leverage the size of FEHBP becomes even more apparent,” said NTEU National President Colleen Kelley recently remarked, “when you take into account that OPM once again dipped into the plan’s cash reserves to hold down the... Read more ...
“The need to leverage the size of FEHBP becomes even more apparent,” said NTEU National President Colleen Kelley recently remarked, “when you take into account that OPM once again dipped into the plan’s cash reserves to hold down the... Read more ...
09/24/2008
9/24/08: Today the House of Representatives passed the 3.9 percent federal employee pay raise by 370 to 58. NTEU pushed for the inclusion of this raise in H.R. 2638, the legislative vehicle containing the fiscal year 2009 continuing resolution.
NTEU National President Colleen Kelley strongly applauded House approval of the continuing resolution (CR) with language providing an average 3.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees. “This action sends the right message to the women and men of the federal workforce—namely, that their continuing contributions to the well-being of our... Read more ...
NTEU National President Colleen Kelley strongly applauded House approval of the continuing resolution (CR) with language providing an average 3.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees. “This action sends the right message to the women and men of the federal workforce—namely, that their continuing contributions to the well-being of our... Read more ...
09/24/2008
9/24/08: The union is pleased to report that the NTEU-backed federal employee pay raise of 3.9 percent for 2009 has been included in the continuing resolution that is on the House Floor today. As previously reported, this increase is a full percentage point higher than the President’s budget recommendation of only 2.9 percent, and follows the precedent of providing a pay raise based on the Employment Cost Index now at 3.4 percent, plus one-half percent.
Without inclusion of the 3.9% increase in the continuing resolution that is passed by Congress this week, a final decision on the federal... Read more ...
Without inclusion of the 3.9% increase in the continuing resolution that is passed by Congress this week, a final decision on the federal... Read more ...
09/24/2008
9/23/08: Pending legislation to provide federal employees with domestic partners the same access as married employees and their spouses to participate in benefit programs would underscore the federal government’s traditional role as a model employer, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley told a Senate committee today. To read the testimony, click here, Kelley Testimony on Domestic Partner Benefits.
Traditionally, the private sector is encouraged, but not mandated, to adopt employee benefit programs in place in the federal government through its good example and resulting market forces as the... Read more ...
Traditionally, the private sector is encouraged, but not mandated, to adopt employee benefit programs in place in the federal government through its good example and resulting market forces as the... Read more ...
09/20/2008
9/19/08: Chapter 293 held a special chapter meeting on Wednesday, September 17. At the meeting, members voted on a Bylaws amendment unanimously recommended by Chapter 293's Executive Board. According to Ralph Talarico, the attorney from NTEU who tallied the votes, the amendment passed with 91% in favor. The total vote by members participating in the meeting was 328 in favor and 32 against. The new Bylaws became effective at midnight on September 17, and may be reviewed by members on the chapter's website by clicking here, Chapter 293 Bylaws.
09/20/2008
9/19/08: The full Senate has passed S. 3001, the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2009 with a 3.9 percent pay raise for military personnel in a vote of 88-8. NTEU supported the measure’s 3.9 percent raise for military personnel, an increase of one half percent above the President’s recommendation of a 3.4 percent raise. This was an endorsement of the precedent of providing raises based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI) now at 3.4 percent, plus one-half percent. The bill’s passage will enable the House and Senate to go to conference on the measure. NTEU is lobbying for the... Read more ...
08/26/2008
8/26/08: The SEC has announced a 1.5% merit pay salary increase for FY 2009, effective this pay period. This amount roughly represents the equivalent of a “one-step” merit pay increase for everyone at the agency. NTEU continues to maintain that 1.5% represents a woefully inadequate pay raise for SEC employees, who have been asked by agency management to produce more and more while the SEC continues to reduce their pay raises under the merit pay program. The agency has now chosen to slash its merit pay budget for three consecutive years. Indeed, the paltry 1.5% raise represents the lowest... Read more ...
08/11/2008
Click to View a Public Service Announcement from NTEU:
08/11/2008
President's Perspective, Summer 2008: More than half of the corporations in the U.S. currently provide some form of paid parental leave benefit to their employees. Perhaps it is for that reason that people are often surprised to learn that federal employees receive no paid time off to care for their newborn infants or recently adopted children. Instead, they are only permitted to take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) of 1993, and then use sick leave or annual leave, if available, to continue to be paid while they are out of the office. It is time to provide a paid... Read more ...
08/11/2008
Katie Nix is our Chief Steward, and as such, she works with all of the Chapter 293 Stewards scattered around the country. Katie has been a union activist since we first began the drive to unionize in late 1998, and before becoming Chief Steward, she served as a member of the Chapter bargaining team that negotiated our current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Many of you know Katie as a union official, but that is only one small part of her longstanding commitment to making the Commission a better workplace. Katie began working as an examiner in the Division of Corporation Finance in early... Read more ...
08/11/2008
At the end of July, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley welcomed overdue action by the General Services Administration (GSA) to raise the mileage reimbursement rate to 58.5 cents per mile for federal employees using their personal vehicles on government business. At the same time, she expressed her clear disappointment that the increase is not retroactive to July 1, as NTEU had urged, and stated that the IRS rate should be even higher. GSA raised the rate effective Aug. 1.
Earlier, the Internal Revenue Service increased the rate allowable as a business deduction for business travel to 58.5... Read more ...
Earlier, the Internal Revenue Service increased the rate allowable as a business deduction for business travel to 58.5... Read more ...