Explore the intricacies of federal labor relations through our curated collection of articles. Delve into the dynamics of labor relations for federal employees and gain valuable insights into the roles of federal unions and the complexities of collective bargaining in the federal sector.
The FLRA writes that changing its constitution to “punish” controllers who leave its bargaining unit and return, was an unfair labor practice retroactively but not “prospectively.” The unions’ action was to “punish unit members who escaped the unconscionable terms and conditions unilaterally imposed by the FAA . . . by going to work for FAA management.”
A probationary employee failed to disclose on his application for a supervisory EO Specialist position with the Department of Labor that he had previously been convicted of a crime. The agency ran a background check and discovered otherwise.
Citing a procedural error on the part of the Treasury Department, the D.C. Circuit Court denied the Agency appeal of FLRA’s new Abrogation Standard when it addresses Agency Head Review of agreements.
A Bureau of Prisons correctional officer in Atlanta, fired for failing a random drug test, was unsuccessful in his defense that the Thanksgiving cookies were laced with marijuana without his knowledge.
A housekeeping aid at a VA medical center was indefinitely suspended following his indictment on four counts, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In a very recent case before the DC Circuit, the court slammed the Federal Labor Relations Authority again for interpreting law other than its own. In what appears a sweeping decision that may reverse the effect of many years of FLRA Negotiability determinations, the Court found that absent specific appropriations language, an Agency would violate the legal prohibition against use of appropriated funds for employees’ personal expenses. Pay attention to this decision.
In Kennington v. Merit Systems Protection Board, CAFC No. 2011-3192 (nonprecedential), 12/13/11, the court recounts what many would view as odd behavior, including claims from the employee that he “previously worked as a psychic” and “could communicate with angels, God, and Jesus.”
FLRA’s Quietest Member, Ernest DuBester, recently dissented in a case involving a union proposal calling for increased fortification of Social Security offices (Wait until you read the proposal and his dissent). DuBester is a majority (Democrat) member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority who appears to believe the union is always right.
These cases involve both a union and Agency appeal FLRA decisions involving its controversial reinstitution of an “abrogation” test that, in essence, nullifies the Agency Head Review of negotiated agreements provided for in the statute.
Since our article concerning secret FAA NATCA negotiations was posted various FedSmith authors and editors have gotten emails (other than the comments already posted), saying that we missed all or part of the story. We decided to share this information with our readers.
