Florida National Guard (Respondent) and National Association of Government Employees, Local R5-91 (Charging Party)
[ v05 p365 ]
05:0365(49)CA
The decision of the Authority follows:
5 FLRA No. 49
FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD
Respondent
and
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91
Charging Party
Case No. 4-CA-300
DECISION AND ORDER
THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO A STIPULATED RECORD
FORWARDED BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE TO THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS
AUTHORITY FOR DECISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH A REQUEST FROM THE REGIONAL
ATTORNEY, AGENT FOR THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY
GRANTED THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR IN SECTION 2429.1(A) OF THE AUTHORITY'S
RULES AND REGULATIONS (5 CFR 2429.1(A)).
UPON CONSIDERATION OF THE ENTIRE RECORD IN THIS CASE, INCLUDING THE
STIPULATION OF FACTS, ACCOMPANYING EXHIBITS, AND BRIEFS SUBMITTED BY THE
PARTIES, THE AUTHORITY FINDS:
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, IS THE
EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF A UNIT OF THE RESPONDENT'S EMPLOYEES. THE
TERMS OF THE MOST RECENT THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, WHICH EXPIRED JANUARY 28,
1978, CONTINUE IN EFFECT PENDING AN AGREEMENT ON A NEW CONTRACT. THE
EXPIRED CONTRACT CONTAINS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING THAT LIMITS
OFFICIAL TIME FOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, INCLUDING TRAVEL TIME, TO 40
HOURS PER YEAR PER EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE.
THE UNION REQUESTED ASSISTANCE FROM THE FEDERAL SERVICE IMPASSES
PANEL (FSIP) AND FOLLOWING AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO REACH AN
AGREEMENT, A NOTICE OF HEARING WAS ISSUED SCHEDULING A FACT FINDING
HEARING FOR AUGUST 23, 1979. A PREHEARING CONFERENCE WAS HELD ON AUGUST
22 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 6:15 P.M. AND THE HEARING WAS HELD ON AUGUST 23
FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. AT ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA.
THE UNION WAS REPRESENTED BY, AMONG OTHERS, RONALD L. MEIER,
PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL UNION AND EMPLOYEE OF RESPONDENT. HE ATTENDED
BOTH DAYS. MEIER DROVE FROM JACKSONVILLE TO ST. AUGUSTINE EACH DAY, A
DISTANCE OF 58 MILES. TRAVEL TIME WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS, EACH WAY. HIS
REGULAR WORK DAY WAS FROM 6:30 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M.
ON JUNE 14, 1979, THE RESPONDENT HAD ISSUED AN INTRA-OFFICE
MEMORANDUM STATING THAT UNDER THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT, UNLIMITED
NEGOTIATION ON THE CLOCK, BUT NOT TRAVEL OR PREPARATION TIME, WOULD BE
ALLOWED FOR UNION NEGOTIATORS. ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THE FSIP HEARING,
AT A FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE (FMCS) MEDIATION
SESSION, MEIER HAD ASKED THE RESPONDENT ABOUT OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL.
COLONEL MCCORMICK, THE RESPONDENT'S CHIEF NEGOTIATOR AND TECHNICIAN
PERSONNEL OFFICER, INFORMED MEIER THAT TRAVEL TIME WOULD BE DENIED, AND
MEIER REPLIED THAT HE WOULD FILE AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE.
A FEW DAYS AFTER THE FSIP HEARING, MEIER WAS INFORMED BY HIS
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR THAT HE WOULD BE GIVEN EIGHT HOURS OF
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR EACH DAY HE ATTENDED THE HEARING, NOT THE 12
AND 13 HOURS CLAIMED. HOWEVER, THE RESPONDENT ISSUED A "CORRECTIVE
MEMO" GIVING MEIER ONLY SIX HOURS ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE (DETERMINED BY
THE RESPONDENT TO BE THE ACTUAL NEGOTIATING TIME CORRESPONDING TO
MEIER'S DUTY TIME) AND CHARGING HIM TWO HOURS ANNUAL LEAVE FOR EACH OF
THE TWO DAYS OF HEARINGS. (THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE WAS GRANTED DESPITE
THE ACKNOWLEDGED FACT THAT MEIER HAD EXCEEDED THE 40-HOUR PER ANNUM
LIMITATION OF THE EXPIRED CONTRACT.) MEIER HAD ALSO REQUESTED MILEAGE
AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR EACH DAY, WHICH THE RESPONDENT REFUSED.
AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE WAS FILED BY THE UNION ALLEGING THAT
THE RESPONDENT VIOLATED SECTIONS 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE
BY FAILING AND REFUSING TO AUTHORIZE ADEQUATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL
AND PER DIEM EXPENSES WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) FOR THE
UNION REPRESENTATIVE, PRESIDENT RONALD MEIER, REGARDING HIS ATTENDANCE
AT FSIP HEARINGS ON AUGUST 11 AND 23, 1979. UPON AN INVESTIGATION, THE
GENERAL COUNSEL ISSUED A COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE RESPONDENT HAD
FAILED AND REFUSED TO GIVE MEIER ADEQUATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL AND
PER DIEM EXPENSES. IN THIS REGARD, THE GENERAL COUNSEL ARGUED THAT
MEIER WAS ENTITLED TO "TRAVEL TIME" TO THE LOCATION SITE OF THE HEARING
BECAUSE THE TRAVEL TO THE FSIP PROCEEDING OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN HE
WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A DUTY STATUS, AND THAT HE WAS ENTITLED TO
MILEAGE FOR THE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM FOR BOTH DAYS OF ATTENDANCE. IT IS
CONTENDED BY THE GENERAL COUNSEL THAT THE REFUSAL TO PROVIDE SUCH TRAVEL
TIME, MILEAGE AND PER DIEM CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF SECTION
7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8). AS NOTED ABOVE, THE MATTER IS BEFORE THE
AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO A STIPULATION OF FACTS.
SECTION 7131(A), INTER ALIA, REQUIRES THAT:
ANY EMPLOYEE REPRESENTING AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE
NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT . . . SHALL BE AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH
PURPOSES, INCLUDING
ATTENDANCE AT IMPASSE PROCEEDING, DURING THE TIME THE EMPLOYEE
OTHERWISE WOULD BE IN A DUTY
STATUS. THE RESPONDENT GRANTED OFFICIAL TIME FOR MEIER FOR THE
PORTION OF HIS DUTY STATUS WHEN HE WAS ATTENDING IMPASSE PROCEEDINGS.
AT ISSUE HEREIN IS THAT PORTION OF MEIER'S DUTY STATUS TIME SPENT
TRAVELING FROM HIS RESIDENCE TO THE SITE OF THE IMPASSE PROCEEDING, THAT
IS, "TRAVEL TIME" RELATED TO OFFICIAL TIME ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION
7131(A). IN THE AUTHORITY'S VIEW, WHEN IT IS REQUIRED THAT AN EMPLOYEE
TRAVEL TO PARTICIPATE IN OFFICIAL TIME ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 7131(A),
DURING THE TIME THE EMPLOYEE OTHERWISE WOULD BE IN A DUTY STATUS, SUCH
TRAVEL TIME IS PART OF THE OFFICIAL TIME. IN THIS REGARD, AS WAS
CONCLUDED IN THE AUTHORITY'S INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE ON THE MEANING
OF SECTION 7131(A), THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY RELATIVE TO THAT SECTION
DEMONSTRATES AN INTENT BY CONGRESS THAT EMPLOYEES SERVING AS UNION
REPRESENTATIVES BE ACCORDED PREROGATIVES SIMILAR TO THOSE ACCORDED TO
MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT, INCLUDING IMPASSE PROCEEDING. /1/
TURNING TO THE FACTS OF THE INSTANT CASE, MEIER WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
HIS REGULAR DUTY STATUS FROM 6:30 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. ON AUGUST 22 AND 23
BUT FOR HIS ATTENDANCE THOSE DAYS AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER
TOWN. DURING THE PERIOD OF HIS REGULAR DUTY STATUS, I.E., 6:30 A.M. TO
3:15 P.M., THE RECORD SHOWS THAT EACH DAY MEIER SPENT 1 1/2 HOURS
TRAVELING TO THE HEARING AND 6 1/4 HOURS ACTUALLY AT THE HEARING.
ACCORDINGLY, THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT MEIER SPENT 7 3/4 HOURS OF
OFFICIAL TIME FOR EACH OF THE TWO DAYS. THE REFUSAL BY THE RESPONDENT
TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL TIME IN THIS AMOUNT TO MEIER CONSTITUTES A FAILURE
TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) IN VIOLATION OF SECTION
7116(A)(8); A FAILURE TO COOPERATE IN IMPASSE PROCEDURES IN VIOLATION
OF SECTION 7116(A)(6); AND INTERFERENCE WITH, RESTRAINT, AND COERCION
OF AN EMPLOYEE IN THE EXERCISE OF RIGHTS UNDER THE STATUTE IN VIOLATION
OF SECTION 7116(A)(1).
WITH RESPECT TO TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES, IN ITS INTERPRETATION
AND GUIDANCE THE AUTHORITY NOTED THAT EMPLOYEES, WHILE NEGOTIATING A
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AS UNION REPRESENTATIVES, ARE CLEARLY
ENGAGED ON "OFFICIAL BUSINESS FOR THE GOVERNMENT," AND CONCLUDED THAT
SUCH EMPLOYEES ARE "ENTITLED TO PAYMENTS FROM AGENCIES FOR THEIR DUTY
TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES." /2/ MEIER TRAVELED TO IMPASSE
PROCEEDINGS, WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 7131(A)
PROVISIONS, AND THEREFORE HE WAS ENTITLED TO APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER
DIEM EXPENSES, AS MAY BE PROVIDED UNDER GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUCH, AS WITH THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL
TIME, CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8). /3/
THE RESPONDENT CONTESTS THE JURISDICTION OF THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE,
THROUGH AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE PROCEEDING, PAYMENT OF MONETARY
ALLOWANCES BY AN AGENCY. HOWEVER, THE AUTHORITY IS EMPOWERED BY SECTION
7105(A)(2)(G) TO RESOLVE COMPLAINTS OF UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES, BY
SECTION 7105(A)(2)(I) TO TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTIONS AS ARE NECESSARY AND
APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTIVELY ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATUTE, AND
BY SECTION 7118(A)(7)(D) TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS WILL CARRY OUT THE
PURPOSES OF THE STATUTE. WHERE, AS HERE, AN AGENCY IS FOUND TO HAVE
FAILED TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTE, THERE IS NO BASIS FOR
THE CONTENTION THAT THERE IS ANY LIMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE
AUTHORITY BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT THE FAILURE AT ISSUE INVOLVES A
PAYMENT OF MONETARY ALLOWANCES. MOREOVER, PURSUANT TO SECTION
7105(G)(3), THE AUTHORITY, IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS UNDER THE
STATUTE:
MAY REQUIRE AN AGENCY OR A LABOR ORGANIZATION TO CEASE AND DESIST
FROM VIOLATIONS OF THIS
CHAPTER AND REQUIRE IT TO TAKE ANY REMEDIAL ACTION IT CONSIDERS
APPROPRIATE TO CARRY OUT THE
POLICIES OF THIS CHAPTER.
AS TO THE RESPONDENT'S ARGUMENT THAT ENTITLEMENT TO PAY AND
ALLOWANCES IS GOVERNED BY STATUTES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS, AND THE
ARGUMENT THAT DISPUTES OVER ENTITLEMENT MUST BE EXHAUSTED THROUGH
MILITARY PAY PROCESSES BEFORE AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE CAN BE
CONSIDERED, THE ISSUES BEFORE THE AUTHORITY CONCERN THE NONCOMPLIANCE
WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTE. AS STATED ABOVE, SUCH ISSUES ARE
SPECIFICALLY ASSIGNED TO THE AUTHORITY FOR DISPOSITION, NOTWITHSTANDING
THAT THEY MAY INCLUDE ISSUES OF ENTITLEMENT TO PAY AND ALLOWANCES.
BEYOND THE ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING LACK OF JURISDICTION, THE
RESPONDENT CONTENDS THAT SUCH MONETARY ISSUES AS ARE PRESENT HEREIN ARE
NONNEGOTIABLE "BUDGET" MATTERS UNDER SECTION 7106(A)(1). /4/ HOWEVER,
AT ISSUE HERE IS NOT WHETHER MONETARY ISSUES ARE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
BARGAINING UNDER THE STATUTE, BUT WHETHER REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION
7131(A) HAVE BEEN MET. IN THIS CONNECTION, AS STATED ABOVE, THE
RESPONDENT HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS.
FINALLY, RESPONDENT RAISES BY WAY OF DEFENSE THE ARGUMENT THAT THE
40-HOUR OFFICIAL TIME RESTRICTION FOR NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE EXISTING
CONTRACT CONTROLS HEREIN UNDER THE SAVINGS PROVISION OF SECTION 7135(A)
(1), /5/ AND IS BINDING UNTIL A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE CONTRACT IS
CONCLUDED. THE AUTHORITY ALSO ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE IN ITS
INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, SUPRA, AT PAGE 7, WHEREIN IT WAS NOTED THAT
NOTHING IN THE STATUTE WOULD PRECLUDE THE PARTIES FROM CONTINUING THE
TERMS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENT IN EXISTENCE ON JANUARY 11, 1979, THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE STATUTE. HOWEVER, IT WAS FURTHER STATED,
(W)HERE A LABOR ORGANIZATION OR AN AGENCY OBJECTS TO THE CONTINUATION
OR RENEWAL OF A
PROVISION RELATING TO OFFICIAL TIME MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN SECTION
7131(A), SUCH OBJECTION
PREVENTS THE CONTINUATION OR RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT PROVISION UNDER
SECTION 7135(A)(1) OF
THE STATUTE. IN THAT SITUATION, THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A)
WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY
OPERATIVE. IN AGREEMENT WITH THE GENERAL COUNSEL, THE AUTHORITY
FINDS THAT THE UNION INDICATED ITS OBJECTION TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE
PROVISION IN THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WHEN MEIER INFORMED AGENCY OFFICIALS
THAT AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE WOULD BE FILED AGAINST THE
RESPONDENT CONTESTING THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF THE CONTRACTUAL
LIMITATION. THE AUTHORITY FINDS ALSO THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME PROVISION
OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE PROVISION OF
SECTION 7131(A). THEREFORE, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS CASE, AND
CONSISTENT WITH THE INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE ON THIS SUBJECT, THE
PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) OF THE STATUTE, RATHER THAN THE PROVISIONS
OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT, APPLY.
ACCORDINGLY, IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, THE AUTHORITY CONCLUDES THAT
THE RESPONDENT BY ITS FAILURE AND REFUSAL TO PROVIDE UNION
REPRESENTATIVE RONALD MEIER WITH APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL
AND PER DIEM EXPENSES WHILE ATTENDING THE FSIP HEARINGS ON AUGUST 22 AND
23, 1979, FAILED AND REFUSED TO COOPERATE IN IMPASSE PROCEDURES AS
REQUIRED BY SECTION 7131 OF THE STATUTE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS
7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE.
ORDER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE
AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD, JACKSONVILLE,
FLORIDA, SHALL:
1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM:
(A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE RONALD MEIER, OR ANY AGENCY
EMPLOYEE, OFFICIAL TIME AND APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR
TIME ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING
UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR
ATTENDANCE AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING, EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED
IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED.
(B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR
COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE
STATUTE.
2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE
PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE:
(A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE RONALD MEIER OFFICIAL TIME OF 7 3/4
HOURS PER DAY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS REPRESENTATIONAL DUTIES ON
AUGUST 22 AND 23, 1979, AND ADJUST THE ANNUAL LEAVE CHARGED TO HIM FOR
BOTH DAYS ACCORDINGLY, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER,
PAY TO RONALD MEIER APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EQUAL TO
WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED.
(B) POST AT ALL OF ITS OFFICES IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA WHERE UNIT
EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX."
COPIES OF SAID NOTICE, TO BE FURNISHED BY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS
AUTHORITY, AFTER BEING SIGNED BY THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, SHALL BE POSTED
BY IT IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT THEREOF AND BE MAINTAINED BY IT FOR 60
CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL PLACES
WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS
SHALL BE TAKEN BY RESPONDENT TO INSURE THAT SAID NOTICES ARE NOT
ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL.
APPENDIX
NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF
THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO
EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE
UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT
RELATIONS
WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT:
WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO RONALD MEIER, OR ANY AGENCY
EMPLOYEE, OFFICIAL TIME AND APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR
TIME ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING
UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR
ATTENDANCE AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING, EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED
IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED.
WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN
OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE
STATUTE.
WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE RONALD MEIER OFFICIAL TIME OF 7
3/4 HOURS PER DAY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS REPRESENTATIONAL DUTIES ON
AUGUST 22 AND 23, 1979, AND ADJUST THE ANNUAL LEAVE CHARGED TO HIM FOR
BOTH DAYS ACCORDINGLY, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER,
PAY TO RONALD MEIER APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EQUAL TO
WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED.
(AGENCY OR ACTIVITY)
DATED:
BY:
(SIGNATURE)
THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE
OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER
MATERIAL.
IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE
WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, REGION 4, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, WHOSE
ADDRESS IS: 1776 PEACHTREE STREET, N.W., SUITE 501, NORTH WING,
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (404) 881-2324.
(C) PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.30 OF THE AUTHORITY'S RULES AND
REGULATIONS, NOTIFY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, REGION 4, FEDERAL LABOR
RELATIONS AUTHORITY, IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS
ORDER, AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH.
ISSUED, WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 20, 1981
RONALD W. HAUGHTON, CHAIRMAN
HENRY B. FRAZIER III, MEMBER
LEON B. APPLEWHAITE, MEMBER
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY
--------------- FOOTNOTES$ ---------------
/1/ INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, 2 FLRA NO. 31 (1979), AT PAGE 6,
WHEREIN IT WAS NOTED,
IN THIS CONNECTION, REPRESENTATIVE CLAY, IN DISCUSSING THE
PROSCRIPTION OF OFFICIAL TIME
FOR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN INTERNAL UNION BUSINESS UNDER SECTION
7132(B) OF THE HOUSE BILL
(WHICH WAS ENACTED AS SECTION 7131(B) OF THE STATUTE) STATED AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 7132(B) OF THE UDALL COMPROMISE BARS THE USE OF OFFICIAL TIME
FOR CONDUCTING THE
INTERNAL BUSINESS OF A LABOR ORGANIZATION. . . ACTIVITIES THAT
INVOLVE LABOR-MANAGEMENT
CONTACTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION . . . TITLE VII IMPOSES
HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES ON
LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AND ON AGENCY MANAGEMENT. THESE ORGANIZATIONS
SHOULD BE ALLOWED OFFICIAL
TIME TO CARRY OUT THEIR STATUTORY REPRESENTATIONAL ACTIVITIES JUST AS
MANAGEMENT USES OFFICIAL
TIME TO CARRY OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITIES. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE
RECORD OF THIS CASE TO INDICATE THAT A MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE WOULD
HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO TAKE ANNUAL LEAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE SITE OF AN
IMPASSE PROCEEDING.
/2/ ID., AT PAGES 5 AND 6.
/3/ CF. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, WESTERN REGION,
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 4 FLRA NO. 40
(1980) (WHEREIN THE AUTHORITY ADOPTED THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE'S
FINDING OF A VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE).
/4/ SECTION 7106(A)(1) PROVIDES, IN PERTINENT PART,
(N)OTHING IN THIS CHAPTER SHALL AFFECT THE AUTHORITY OF ANY
MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL OF ANY
AGENCY--
(1) TO DETERMINE THE MISSION, BUDGET, ORGANIZATION, NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEES, AND INTERNAL
SECURITY PRACTICES OF THE AGENCY . . .
/5/ SECTION 7135(A)(1) PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS:
SEC. 7135. CONTINUATION OF EXISTING LAWS, RECOGNITIONS, AGREEMENTS,
AND PROCEDURES
(A) NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER SHALL PRECLUDE--
(1) THE RENEWAL OR CONTINUATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE RECOGNITION,
CERTIFICATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE
REPRESENTATIVE, OR A LAWFUL AGREEMENT BETWEEN AN AGENCY AND AN
EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF ITS
EMPLOYEES, WHICH IS ENTERED INTO BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
CHAPTER . . .