Mid-Term Bargaining Issues
Management has just extended the deadline for mid-term bargaining proposals until Sep 15. As we approach our first meetings with management on mid-term or issues of interest, we want to thank those who provided us with their input.
The purpose of this posting is to (A) cover the results of the last mid-term negotiations and (B) informally and for illustrative purposes only present selected issues of potential interest for the next mid-term bargaining.
The official version of the last mid-term bargaining results was posted end of July on OurPlace, FS Human Resources, Collective Bargaining. DDG Tom Moore's email of July 22 summarized the items. From our AFSA view they can be informally summarized as follows (including the formal attachments):
Recent Agreements:
1. Domestic Assignments - two issues - first, trying to ensure good work plans for domestically-assigned (outside WashDC in domestic field) FCSOs - agreement to revise the MPPAS
Second, trying to ensure that FCSOs get domestic assignments matched to their grade level and capabilities and can bid in a transparent process2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Pilot - Surnamed "Early Intervention Initiative", the purpose is clearly to seek mediation in lieu of grievances on mid-year progress reviews and appraisals
3. Number of Promotion Opportunities - the purpose of this agreement was to enhance the transparency of the Selection Board process
4. Language Maintenance Incentive - the purpose was to pay money to FCSOs who maintain language proficiency in certain hard languages
Illustrative Current Issues:
Please note that some of these issues may be informally resolved with management and may not figure in the mid-term proposals. We would like to be prudent in the selection of our issues to verify that they are representative of a clear majority of our commercial officer cadre. If you would like to comment on any of these issues or raise new ideas, please feel free to contact Will or me and we will add your ideas to the mix:
List of Current Issues - Payroll & Benefits, Assignments & Promotions, Performance Management, Language Testing, Retirees (order given does not indicate priority)
1. Locality Pay for FS-1s and below on Overseas Assignments
While this is AFSAs most important and #1 issue overall as it seriously affects the pay of the majority of members, it is unlikely to be a Fall mid-term 2005 bargaining proposal as such. There are numerous developments being led by State and main AFSA on the Hill to seek phased-in locality pay which will cost all FS agencies over $100 million per year after phase-in. Main AFSA will keep us informed and let us know if and when the time is ripe to write your congressional representatives on this issue. If the law is changed, Commerce will have to follow suit with all FS agencies.
2. Revising the Precepts to Disallow Promotions for Board Members
3. Revising the Precepts to allow Promotions into SFS for non-SCO Assignments (e.g., assignments as DCM, CG, DSCO)
4. Changing the Policy that non-FSI Language Testing (e.g., DLS testing in accordance with FSI procedures) is OK for Assignments but not for Incentive Pay
5. Improved Bidding Guidelines on UVPs, medical clearance, performance and eligibility, etc.; more flexibility on 7-year rule possibly
6. Assessing Performance Management procedures including the new appraisal system, use of the ITA-738, etc.; integrating CS Precepts and Management with ITA Performance Measures and Management
7. Developing better career path, training, and skills/eligibilities systems and databases for officers
8. Expanding Weight Allowances for PCS's (furnished)
9. Better use of Retirees, whether as Selection Board members or in the WAE program
