2/12/08: SEC Executive Director Diego Ruiz stated during testimony before a House subcommittee this afternoon that all employees receiving an "acceptable" performance rating will receive an "equivalent share" of the funds the SEC has available for merit pay increases, until the agency's new performance management system has been implemented.
Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman has urged the agency to adopt such an interim approach to merit pay for several months, given the obvious deficiencies that have rendered the SEC's current pay for performance system inherently unfair and unworkable. A... Read more ...
Union News Archive
02/12/2008
Help NTEU Chapter 293 deal with implementation issues surrounding 4-10 and 5/4-9 alternative work schedules by taking one minute to fill out a survey on those programs. Click here, Survey on AWS, to take the survey now. Thanks!
02/05/2008
2/5/08: The application deadline for Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) scholarships for the 2008−2009 school year is fast approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 28, 2008.
Federal employees and qualified family members can appy for a FEEA scholarship. Applications are available at www.feea.org.
FEEA scholarships include the $5,000 award under the FEEA-NTEU scholarship program established a year ago. Last year, one of the six FEEA-NTEU scholarships was awarded to a working federal employee, who was also a long-time NTEU member.
Federal employees and qualified family members can appy for a FEEA scholarship. Applications are available at www.feea.org.
FEEA scholarships include the $5,000 award under the FEEA-NTEU scholarship program established a year ago. Last year, one of the six FEEA-NTEU scholarships was awarded to a working federal employee, who was also a long-time NTEU member.
02/05/2008
2/5/08: Yesterday, President Bush submitted his budget proposal to Congress, which will now begin the processing of making appropriations for FY 2009. The budget proposes a 2.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees. NTEU believes that this pay proposal is insufficient to stop the loss of skilled, experienced and dedicated employees from a wide range of federal agencies in the coming years. The proposed budget would do nothing to close the 23 percent pay gap between federal and private sector workers. Closing that gap with the private sector was the stated goal of the 1990 Federal... Read more ...
02/04/2008
2/4/08: The administration’s proposal for a 2.9 percent pay raise in 2009 for federal civilian employees will accelerate sharply the loss of skilled, experienced and dedicated employees from a wide range of federal agencies in coming years, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley said today. She called for a raise of 3.9 percent next year for both civilian employees and members of the military.
A raise in that amount would reflect the applicable Employment Cost Index (ECI) of 3.4 percent, plus one-half of one percent, which is the formula that has been used in recent years. The ECI is put... Read more ...
A raise in that amount would reflect the applicable Employment Cost Index (ECI) of 3.4 percent, plus one-half of one percent, which is the formula that has been used in recent years. The ECI is put... Read more ...
02/04/2008
2/4/08: On Wednesday, February 13 from 12:00 to 1:00, Chapter 293 will be presenting a workshop to discuss the 3-day, 4-day and 5-day expanded telework trial program. The workshop be held in the HQ LL Multi-Purpose Room, and will include a discussion of the tools available to assist you when you are teleworking. Attendance is limited to union members. If you are not a member, you may join at the time of the workshop. Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be served.
02/01/2008
2/1/08: NTEU National President Colleen Kelley this week welcomed a bipartisan letter from key Washington area members of the House of Representatives—led by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)—to President Bush calling for a continuation of the long tradition of civilian-military parity in federal pay increases. The White House’s 2009 budget blueprint, containing federal pay proposals, will be made public next week.
“Pay parity is not a new concept,” they wrote. “Historically, Congress has expressed strong bipartisan support for parity in pay adjustments between our military and federal... Read more ...
“Pay parity is not a new concept,” they wrote. “Historically, Congress has expressed strong bipartisan support for parity in pay adjustments between our military and federal... Read more ...
02/01/2008
2/1/08: The firsthand experience of NTEU debunks claims made in a recent Office of Personnel Management (OPM) report that pay-for-performance systems in various federal agencies are a success.
“This report shows a patchwork of pay systems across the government that cannot collectively, or individually, be characterized as successful,” said NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley, in the wake of the OPM status report on alternative personnel systems in the federal government, including performance-based pay systems.
The report dealt with such systems at a number of NTEU-represented... Read more ...
“This report shows a patchwork of pay systems across the government that cannot collectively, or individually, be characterized as successful,” said NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley, in the wake of the OPM status report on alternative personnel systems in the federal government, including performance-based pay systems.
The report dealt with such systems at a number of NTEU-represented... Read more ...
01/29/2008
1/29/08: The second version of the Defense Authorization bill was sent to the President last week, with revisions made regarding lawsuits involving Iraq. Included in the bill is a new provision that extends from 12 weeks to 26 weeks the amount of leave a family member can take to care for an injured veteran. It also expands the definition of who is eligible for such leave by including “next of kin” or nearest blood relative.
The employing agency may require a certification from the employee. The Office of Personnel Management will probably issue regulations for such a certification in the... Read more ...
The employing agency may require a certification from the employee. The Office of Personnel Management will probably issue regulations for such a certification in the... Read more ...
01/28/2008
01/28/08: This year, NTEU is commemorating 70 years of working to improve the work lives of federal employees. As part of our celebration, NTEU has launched a new web page with a brief history of our union, a list of our accomplishments, and a photo slideshow highlighting some of the events and faces that have shaped our past. Check out the webpage at NTEU 70th Anniversary.
01/28/2008
1/28/08: The new 4/10 schedule negotiated for you by Chapter 293 went into effect on Saturday. Employees who have at some point in the past worked for at least a year on a 5-4/9 schedule may now submit requests for a 4/10 schedule schedule to their supervisors.
If you experience any difficulty with the new 4/10 schedule, please do not hesitate to contact your Chapter 293 steward to discuss it.
If you experience any difficulty with the new 4/10 schedule, please do not hesitate to contact your Chapter 293 steward to discuss it.
01/24/2008
1/24/08: NTEU has won a victory in its long-standing fight against pay-for-performance plans in the federal sector. Under an agreement reached by NTEU, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has agreed to suspend its highly unpopular pay-for-performance system covering employees in the 2007 cycle. NTEU and FDIC are currently reviewing options for a more transparent, credible and fair pay system.
Like SEC employees, FDIC employees have long voiced their dissatisfaction with the pay-for-performance system. A recent FDIC survey revealed only 12 percent of workers believe the now-... Read more ...
Like SEC employees, FDIC employees have long voiced their dissatisfaction with the pay-for-performance system. A recent FDIC survey revealed only 12 percent of workers believe the now-... Read more ...
01/18/2008
President's Perspective, January 2008: Given the recent enactment of the 2008 3.5% pay raise, now is good time to consider part of the representation that your union dues make possible every year– NTEU’s tireless lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill to bring you the best pay raises possible. Indeed, in every year but one since 2002, NTEU’s efforts led directly to higher average raises than those that were originally proposed by the administration:
2002: 3.6% increased to 4.6%
2003: 2.6% increased to 4.1%
2004: 2.0% increased to 4.1%
2005: 1.5% increased to 3.5%
2006: 2.3% increased to 3.1%
2007:... Read more ...
2002: 3.6% increased to 4.6%
2003: 2.6% increased to 4.1%
2004: 2.0% increased to 4.1%
2005: 1.5% increased to 3.5%
2006: 2.3% increased to 3.1%
2007:... Read more ...
01/18/2008
NTEU Military Tribute
NTEU is continuing to recognize and honor members and their family members who are serving in the military. To date, the online tribute, available at www.nteu.org, contains 130 individuals in the armed forces. We encourage you to submit information to NTEU so we can include them or their loved ones in the tribute. Submissions should include service branch, rank, duty station and hometown. Photos are also encouraged. Current listings can be updated. Send submissions, including photos, electronically to NTEU-PR@nteu.org or via mail to NTEU Public Relations, 1750 H Street,... Read more ...
NTEU is continuing to recognize and honor members and their family members who are serving in the military. To date, the online tribute, available at www.nteu.org, contains 130 individuals in the armed forces. We encourage you to submit information to NTEU so we can include them or their loved ones in the tribute. Submissions should include service branch, rank, duty station and hometown. Photos are also encouraged. Current listings can be updated. Send submissions, including photos, electronically to NTEU-PR@nteu.org or via mail to NTEU Public Relations, 1750 H Street,... Read more ...
01/18/2008
In December, the Senate voted to approve S. 274, which would expand whistleblower rights for federal employees. The measure, introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), would make it clear that federal employees are protected for any disclosure of waste, fraud or abuse, including on those matters learned about in connection with an employee’s job duties. The bill also would provide for an independent determination about the possibility of retaliation against an employee-whistleblower for protected disclosures, and would suspend for five years the exclusive... Read more ...
01/18/2008
Article 43 of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement contains the details regarding the new Leave Sharing Program that NTEU recently negotiated for SEC employees.
Participating employees will donate a small amount of annual leave each year, and that leave will be available to assist participants who need additional leave to deal with a medical emergency faced by them or a family member. The Open Season for participating in this new program will occur during October of each year.
This month, Chapter 293 and the SEC are required to designate the members of a new Leave Bank Board, comprised of... Read more ...
Participating employees will donate a small amount of annual leave each year, and that leave will be available to assist participants who need additional leave to deal with a medical emergency faced by them or a family member. The Open Season for participating in this new program will occur during October of each year.
This month, Chapter 293 and the SEC are required to designate the members of a new Leave Bank Board, comprised of... Read more ...
01/18/2008
This month Chapter 293 Works interviewed Azam Riaz, who is a Chapter 293 steward working in the New York Regional Office.
Azam began his career at the SEC after receiving his MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University seven years ago. He started as a compliance examiner and is now a staff accountant. His job includes conducting and participating in examinations of investment advisors, investment companies and hedge funds.
Azam enjoys the wide variety of work experiences afforded by the examination program at the agency. “My job never gets monotonous, there is always something different arising in... Read more ...
Azam began his career at the SEC after receiving his MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University seven years ago. He started as a compliance examiner and is now a staff accountant. His job includes conducting and participating in examinations of investment advisors, investment companies and hedge funds.
Azam enjoys the wide variety of work experiences afforded by the examination program at the agency. “My job never gets monotonous, there is always something different arising in... Read more ...
01/18/2008
The 2008 Legislative Conference will be held Monday, March 3, 2008 through Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel at 480 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., in Washington, DC. Attendees of past NTEU legislative conferences have felt that the value of the annual three-day event is the avenues of access that open for them on Capitol Hill. In face-to-face meetings with their representatives, senators and respective staff, NTEU members are afforded an opportunity to weigh in on the legislative process and educate lawmakers on issues important to federal employees and the American public.
NTEU... Read more ...
NTEU... Read more ...
Omnibus Spending Provision Enacted with 3.5% Pay Raise and Other Important Provisions Sought by NTEU
01/18/2008
In an important victory for federal employees, on December 26, 2007, President Bush signed an omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal 2008 that contains the 3.5% federal employee pay raise that NTEU has been advocating for on Capitol Hill for many months. In addition to the higher pay raise, the new legislation also contains several other NTEU-supported provisions, including improved rights for federal employees in contracting out competitions, an enhanced retirement benefit for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and a prohibition on a plan to reorganize and downsize Food and Drug... Read more ...
01/18/2008
The SEC and Chapter 293 have reached an agreement regarding the agency’s plans to reorganize employees in Station Place One and Two this year. The agreement also will provide a new rule for filling offices that become vacant after the reorganization.
The reorganization will involve the relocation of a large number of employees in an effort to better organize various Divisions and Offices. Under the agreement, employees who are relocated will select their new offices within their Assistant Director work unit based upon their seniority within the work unit. In December, NTEU members voted to... Read more ...
The reorganization will involve the relocation of a large number of employees in an effort to better organize various Divisions and Offices. Under the agreement, employees who are relocated will select their new offices within their Assistant Director work unit based upon their seniority within the work unit. In December, NTEU members voted to... Read more ...
01/18/2008
In late November, SEC Chairman Chris Cox and NTEU National President Colleen Kelley signed the SEC’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement with NTEU. The new contract, which contains a number of key improvements, became effective as of November 27, 2007. Copies of the CBA are currently being distributed to all employees at the agency – ask your administrative contact if you have not yet received your copy. The contract also may be reviewed on the Resources page of Chapter 293's website, www.secunion.org.
Most of the terms of the new CBA are now in effect. However, two important new provisions... Read more ...
Most of the terms of the new CBA are now in effect. However, two important new provisions... Read more ...
01/18/2008
Chapter 293 Regional Chief Steward Marshall Gandy, a Trial Attorney in the Fort Worth Regional Office, recently resigned from the SEC. Marshall has accepted a position with the Dallas District Office of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Created in 2007 through the consolidation of NASD and the regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the NYSE, FINRA is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the U.S.
Before joining the Commission in 1999, Marshall served as a Dallas County criminal court judge for ten years and was... Read more ...
Before joining the Commission in 1999, Marshall served as a Dallas County criminal court judge for ten years and was... Read more ...
01/18/2008
On January 17, 2008, NTEU entered into an agreement with the SEC resolving a national grievance regarding the Student Loan Repayment Program filed by the union a year ago. The grievance challenged the SEC’s decision to make unilateral changes to this popular program without first negotiating with the union.
The terms of the Student Loan Repayment Program negotiated by NTEU are set forth in Article 25 of the CBA. The SEC may make payments to help eligible employees repay their student loans, up to $10,000 per calendar year, and up to a total amount of $60,000. Eligible loans include Federal... Read more ...
The terms of the Student Loan Repayment Program negotiated by NTEU are set forth in Article 25 of the CBA. The SEC may make payments to help eligible employees repay their student loans, up to $10,000 per calendar year, and up to a total amount of $60,000. Eligible loans include Federal... Read more ...
01/17/2008
1/17/08: NTEU's 2008 Legislative Conference will be held Monday, March 3, 2008 through Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel at 480 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., in Washington, DC.
Attendees of past NTEU legislative conferences have felt that the value of the annual three-day event is the avenues of access that open for them on Capitol Hill. In face-to-face meetings with their congressional representatives, senators and respective staff, NTEU members are afforded an opportunity to weigh in on the legislative process and educate lawmakers on issues important to federal employees and the... Read more ...
Attendees of past NTEU legislative conferences have felt that the value of the annual three-day event is the avenues of access that open for them on Capitol Hill. In face-to-face meetings with their congressional representatives, senators and respective staff, NTEU members are afforded an opportunity to weigh in on the legislative process and educate lawmakers on issues important to federal employees and the... Read more ...
01/07/2008
1/7/08: On Friday, President Bush signed an executive order implementing the federal employee pay raise for 2008 that was included in the omnibus spending bill for FY 2008.
The executive order specifies how the average 3.5% pay raise will be divided between base and locality pay. Under the executive order, 2.5 percent of the increase will be distributed through base pay, and 1 percent through locality pay.
The SEC has not yet issued updated pay tables for SEC employees. However, updated pay tables for GS Schedule federal employees (which do not includee SEC employees) may be viewed on OPM's... Read more ...
The executive order specifies how the average 3.5% pay raise will be divided between base and locality pay. Under the executive order, 2.5 percent of the increase will be distributed through base pay, and 1 percent through locality pay.
The SEC has not yet issued updated pay tables for SEC employees. However, updated pay tables for GS Schedule federal employees (which do not includee SEC employees) may be viewed on OPM's... Read more ...