For a printable version of the April 2007 issue of Chapter 293 Works click here.
Or click the following links to individual articles:
NTEU Wins Plus Loan SettlementPlans Unveiled for NTEU-Negotiated Childcare CenterColonial Life Benefits Presentation at Miami Regional OfficeSEC Shifts CSE Oversight from OCIE to Market RegGilman Visits Philadelphia Regional OfficeNTEU Supports Reappointment of Pope to FLRAJoint Performance Management Committee MeetsMediation - An Important Alternative Dispute Resolution ToolNTEU Sets 2007 Priorities at Annual Legislative ConferenceNTEU Calls for 3.5% Pay... Read more ...
Union News Archive
04/10/2007
4/10/07: NTEU is extremely proud of its critical role in spearheading and negotiating for the creation of a new Child Development Center at Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the design plans for which were announced this week. The new facility will be called The Harbor at Station Place.
The road leading up to the new Child Development Center began when NTEU commenced negotiations with SEC management regarding the office move to Station Place. In 2004, NTEU surveyed dues paying members to determine what their priorities were with respect to the new building. It was readily apparent that a... Read more ...
The road leading up to the new Child Development Center began when NTEU commenced negotiations with SEC management regarding the office move to Station Place. In 2004, NTEU surveyed dues paying members to determine what their priorities were with respect to the new building. It was readily apparent that a... Read more ...
04/04/2007
4/3/07: I am pleased to report that on Friday, March 30, NTEU and the SEC finalized a settlement agreement to reimburse agency employees who applied for federal PLUS loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) in 2005. PLUS loans allow parents to borrow up to the total cost of college for their child. The resulting settlement will result in employees being reimbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The settlement was negotiated following National Arbitrator Joseph M. Sharnoff’s January 25, 2007 ruling that sustained NTEU’s grievance alleging that the SEC violated Article 25 of the... Read more ...
The settlement was negotiated following National Arbitrator Joseph M. Sharnoff’s January 25, 2007 ruling that sustained NTEU’s grievance alleging that the SEC violated Article 25 of the... Read more ...
03/28/2007
3/26/07: Pursuant to the Federal Labor-Management Relations Statute (FLMRS) and Article 3, Section 7C of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the SEC and the NTEU, this serves as the semi-annual notice to employees of their representation rights under the FLMRS.
Section 7114 (a) of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (Title 5 of the U.S. Code) provides representation rights for employees in units of exclusive recognition during certain investigatory examinations by officials of the Agency. Specifically, Section 7114 (a), in pertinent part provides that:
(2) An exclusive... Read more ...
Section 7114 (a) of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (Title 5 of the U.S. Code) provides representation rights for employees in units of exclusive recognition during certain investigatory examinations by officials of the Agency. Specifically, Section 7114 (a), in pertinent part provides that:
(2) An exclusive... Read more ...
03/25/2007
3/24/07: On March 6, 2007, Senator John Warner of Virginia introduced S. 773, legislation to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. The bill, known as the premium conversion bill, was introduced with bipartisan support and is pending in the Finance Committee. It is similar to legislation introduced earlier in the House of Representatives.
S. 773 would allow federal and military retirees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for their health insurance premiums. Active federal workers have been eligible for this treatment since October 2000... Read more ...
S. 773 would allow federal and military retirees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for their health insurance premiums. Active federal workers have been eligible for this treatment since October 2000... Read more ...
03/21/2007
3/21/07: NTEU President Colleen Kelley today joined with a coalition of organizations representing members of the military and their families in calling for a 3.5 percent pay raise in fiscal 2008 for military personnel. That raise would be half-a-percentage point higher than the three percent raise proposed by the administration for next year for both those in the military and members of the civilian federal workforce.
In letters to every member of the military personnel subcommittees of both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, President Kelley said the higher raise would help... Read more ...
In letters to every member of the military personnel subcommittees of both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, President Kelley said the higher raise would help... Read more ...
03/20/2007
3/15/07: On March 14, 2007, by a vote of 331 to 94, the House of Representatives passed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (H.R. 985). The Act is the first major reform of federal whistleblower laws in 18 years and cures numerous weaknesses in existing law.
Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, introduced a different version of the whistleblower legislation — S. 274—but has not yet begun Committee consideration.
NTEU... Read more ...
Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, introduced a different version of the whistleblower legislation — S. 274—but has not yet begun Committee consideration.
NTEU... Read more ...
03/15/2007
3/13/07: In a legal case with potentially far-reaching First Amendment implications throughout the federal workforce, NTEU has won a preliminary injunction preventing the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from forcing an employee to choose between his job and public service to his community.
“This injunction is an important step forward in a vital case in the continuing battle to protect the free speech rights of federal employees,” said NTEU President Colleen Kelley. NTEU has a long and successful history in the fight for First Amendment rights for federal workers.
This case,... Read more ...
“This injunction is an important step forward in a vital case in the continuing battle to protect the free speech rights of federal employees,” said NTEU President Colleen Kelley. NTEU has a long and successful history in the fight for First Amendment rights for federal workers.
This case,... Read more ...
03/15/2007
3/12/07: NTEU is urging the Senate to promptly confirm the reappointment of Carol Waller Pope to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), which has had one of its three seats open since her term expired last December. NTEU President Colleen Kelley, who expressed NTEU's strong support for Ms. Pope's reappointment in January, welcomed White House action to make this appointment to another term on the FLRA. "I call on the Senate to act promptly on her confirmation," she stated, "the vital role of the FLRA is too important to leave seats open for any period of time."
NTEU's position was... Read more ...
NTEU's position was... Read more ...
03/09/2007
3/9/07: Yesterday, NTEU President Colleen Kelley submitted a statement for the record to the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for its hearing on federal personnel reform issues. Click here to review the statement she submitted.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from a number of nonmanagement and nonunion witnesses in its ongoing review of proposed new personnel systems, including market-sensitive pay and pay-for-performance demonstration programs in the federal government. While a few witnesses argued in favor of so-called performance... Read more ...
The Subcommittee heard testimony from a number of nonmanagement and nonunion witnesses in its ongoing review of proposed new personnel systems, including market-sensitive pay and pay-for-performance demonstration programs in the federal government. While a few witnesses argued in favor of so-called performance... Read more ...
03/07/2007
NTEU members can now receive a discounted subscription to Consumers' CHECKBOOK magazine, a non-profit publication featuring ratings of local services in seven U.S. cities including Washington, D.C. Find out where to go in your city for the best auto shops, plumbers, veterinarians, dentists, roofers and more.
Subscriptions also include online access to all magazine articles and CHECKBOOKS' guides to top doctors and hospitals. NTEU members can get a two-year subscription for a reduced price of $28, 30 percent off the newsstand price. For more information visit NTEU's website.
Subscriptions also include online access to all magazine articles and CHECKBOOKS' guides to top doctors and hospitals. NTEU members can get a two-year subscription for a reduced price of $28, 30 percent off the newsstand price. For more information visit NTEU's website.
03/06/2007
3/6/07: The administration’s proposed 3 percent federal pay raise for 2008 — coming in the wake of the paltry 2007 raise, which was the lowest in 18 years — will do nothing to close the continuing gap between private sector and federal pay, NTEU President Colleen Kelley told a House subcommittee today.
“If we are serious about addressing workforce issues,” President Kelley told the House members, “fair and adequate pay is the first place to start.” She called for a minimum 3.5 percent pay raise in 2008 for both federal civilian employees and members of the military. The NTEU leader delivered... Read more ...
“If we are serious about addressing workforce issues,” President Kelley told the House members, “fair and adequate pay is the first place to start.” She called for a minimum 3.5 percent pay raise in 2008 for both federal civilian employees and members of the military. The NTEU leader delivered... Read more ...
03/03/2007
3/2/07: NTEU is showing our pride for members and their relatives who are serving in the U.S. military. A new page on the union's web site, NTEU.org, features profiles and photos of the brave men and women in active duty, the National Guard and military reserves. In addition, look for periodic spotlights in the NTEU e-Bulletin and a special spread in next month's Bulletin.
This week, NTEU is spotlighting Jorge Ortiz, Command Sergeant Major in the California National Guard and member of NTEU Chapter 123 (CBP Calexico). This certified jumpmaster is the senior enlisted adviser to the Battalion... Read more ...
This week, NTEU is spotlighting Jorge Ortiz, Command Sergeant Major in the California National Guard and member of NTEU Chapter 123 (CBP Calexico). This certified jumpmaster is the senior enlisted adviser to the Battalion... Read more ...
03/03/2007
3/1/07: A senior leader in the U.S. House on February 27 promised to work for a fair pay raise for federal employees and in support of their efforts to rein in runaway contracting—not just because that supports federal workers, but because it is good for America.
“The focus of the federal workforce is on service to the America people,” House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told the opening session of the annual legislative conference of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).Therefore, he said, federal employees are, in meaningful ways, the essence of our country.
“America is... Read more ...
“The focus of the federal workforce is on service to the America people,” House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told the opening session of the annual legislative conference of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).Therefore, he said, federal employees are, in meaningful ways, the essence of our country.
“America is... Read more ...
03/03/2007
3/1/07: Midterm election successes and progress on a number of legislative, legal and other issues in 2006 have set the stage for even further accomplishments this year on behalf of federal employees, NTEU President Colleen Kelley told a large group of NTEU members from around the country at the start of the union’s annual three-day legislative conference on February 27.
Launching three days of lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley outlined the union’s priority issues for 2007 including fair pay for federal employees; an end to privatization of government work;... Read more ...
Launching three days of lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley outlined the union’s priority issues for 2007 including fair pay for federal employees; an end to privatization of government work;... Read more ...
02/22/2007
2/22/07: A key congressional leader will join with NTEU President Colleen Kelley as opening day speakers next Tuesday as more than 300 NTEU members from around the country gather for the union’s annual three-day legislative conference. Along with President Kelley, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will address conference participants beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel.
The legislative conference will include Capitol Hill lobbying visits by NTEU chapter leaders and members, and will conclude with a luncheon address on Thursday by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Rep... Read more ...
The legislative conference will include Capitol Hill lobbying visits by NTEU chapter leaders and members, and will conclude with a luncheon address on Thursday by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Rep... Read more ...
02/22/2007
2/22/07: NTEU President Colleen Kelley today called on Congress to approve legislation that would extend to federal civilian and military retirees the same right that current federal workers have to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis.
The House legislation, H.R. 1110, introduced by Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) with 28 co-sponsors, would provide a benefit for federal and military retirees that active federal workers have enjoyed for more than five years. NTEU was instrumental in successfully pressing the Office of Personnel Management to make active federal employees eligible for this... Read more ...
The House legislation, H.R. 1110, introduced by Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) with 28 co-sponsors, would provide a benefit for federal and military retirees that active federal workers have enjoyed for more than five years. NTEU was instrumental in successfully pressing the Office of Personnel Management to make active federal employees eligible for this... Read more ...
02/20/2007
NTEU filed a grievance this afternoon regarding a change in working conditions. Attorneys and Accountants at the Division of Corporation Finance were recently notified that they will be taking on additional administrative duties, including putting together hard copies of comment letter dissemination packages for OEIA. A number of employees have expressed concerns to the union regarding this change, which was effected without reasonable advance notification to NTEU, a briefing, and an opportunity to bargain. Employees are concerned about the impact that this increase in administrative... Read more ...
02/15/2007
2/15/07: NTEU President Colleen Kelley welcomed the unanimous approval by the House Government Reform Committee of legislation that would significantly strengthen protections for federal whistleblowers—including their First Amendment rights.
President Kelley described H.R. 985, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, as “a much-needed improvement in a vitally-important area of the law impacting federal employees,” and called on Congress to approve it. The NTEU leader applauded the efforts of Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Ranking Member Tom Davis (R-Va.) in moving... Read more ...
President Kelley described H.R. 985, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, as “a much-needed improvement in a vitally-important area of the law impacting federal employees,” and called on Congress to approve it. The NTEU leader applauded the efforts of Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Ranking Member Tom Davis (R-Va.) in moving... Read more ...
02/05/2007
2/5/07: According to NTEU President Colleen Kelley, the White House proposal for a three percent pay raise for federal workers in 2008 is yet another disappointing reflection of the administration’s disregard for federal employees and their contributions to our nation. That is especially true coming, as it does, on the heels of the 2007 pay raise, which was the lowest in 20 years.
“Federal employees are falling further and further behind as the wage gap between the public and private sector continues to grow,” said Kelley. “With the impending retirement tsunami soon to engulf the federal... Read more ...
“Federal employees are falling further and further behind as the wage gap between the public and private sector continues to grow,” said Kelley. “With the impending retirement tsunami soon to engulf the federal... Read more ...
02/05/2007
The 2008 budget recently proposed by the White House includes a 3.2% increase in the SEC's budget. The SEC would receive $906 million, an increase from the $878 million that the SEC is projected to spend in Fiscal Year 2007 (ending September 30). The Enforcement Division would receive a 3.5% increase in its budget to $321 million, and the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations would receive a 3.9% increase to $213 million.
The President's proposed budget assumes that the SEC will finish Fiscal Year 2008 with 3,547 full-time employees, which is the same number that the agency... Read more ...
The President's proposed budget assumes that the SEC will finish Fiscal Year 2008 with 3,547 full-time employees, which is the same number that the agency... Read more ...
02/02/2007
2/2/07: Every year the NTEU’s Department of Legislation holds a conference called the NTEU Legislative Conference. This year the conference will be from the evening of Monday, February 26th until a closing luncheon on Thursday, March 1. If you or any member that you know wants to go to the conference, please contact me as we must act quickly. Previous conferences have included speeches, workshops, social events and constituent visits with your representative and senators, or more likely, their staffs. I assume that this year will include a similar program. You will have to take annual leave... Read more ...
01/31/2007
1/31/07: NTEU prevailed on the PLUS Loan Arbitration this week. In a well reasoned decision, Arbitrator Joseph M. Sharnoff ruled in favor of NTEU on all issues. Click here, PLUS Loan Arbitration Decision, to read the decision.
The road leading to this important decision began when NTEU filed a national grievance to challenge the agency's 2005 elimination of Direct PLUS Loans from the list of loans that are eligible for repayment under the Student Loan Repayment Program (click here to review the terms of this popular program). Direct PLUS loans are loans that are taken out by parents to pay... Read more ...
The road leading to this important decision began when NTEU filed a national grievance to challenge the agency's 2005 elimination of Direct PLUS Loans from the list of loans that are eligible for repayment under the Student Loan Repayment Program (click here to review the terms of this popular program). Direct PLUS loans are loans that are taken out by parents to pay... Read more ...
01/31/2007
1/31/07: On Monday, January 29, Chapter 293 held a member representational meeting at the Headquarters auditorium which was broadcast to all of the regional and district offices in the SEC. The purpose of this meeting was to provide updates on the status of the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations and compensation issues.
Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman opened the meeting with remarks about the importance of the representational work on the CBA and compensation issues that Chapter 293 is doing for members across the country. He thanked the many employees who volunteer their... Read more ...
Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman opened the meeting with remarks about the importance of the representational work on the CBA and compensation issues that Chapter 293 is doing for members across the country. He thanked the many employees who volunteer their... Read more ...
01/23/2007
1/23/07: Bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions of current law. Both of these provisions unfairly penalize federal employees when they retire.
Under WEP, federal employees and retirees who also paid into social security, find their social security benefits reduced by as much as 55 percent just because they receive a federal pension. Under GPO, employees who receive a pension for government service and who are also eligible to receive spousal social security benefits, face major... Read more ...
Under WEP, federal employees and retirees who also paid into social security, find their social security benefits reduced by as much as 55 percent just because they receive a federal pension. Under GPO, employees who receive a pension for government service and who are also eligible to receive spousal social security benefits, face major... Read more ...