3/30/09 Communique

GAO dispute resolution and grievance process discussion, April 2, 12 p.m. ET, 5Q30, & VTC

Do you have questions or opinions about the GAO dispute resolution and grievance process?  Are you interested in the grievance-related issues that the Union and GAO management will be negotiating in the coming months for the master contract agreement? 

If you would like to find out more, Amy Friedlander has organized a brownbag discussion to discuss the GAO dispute resolution and grievance process, which will be held April 2 at 12 p.m. Eastern time, in headquarters room 5Q30.  This discussion will also be available via VTC for the following cities:

Boston (12 p.m. Eastern)
Chicago (11 a.m. Central)
Dallas (11 a.m. Central)
Denver (10 a.m. Mountain)
Seattle (9 a.m. Pacific)

Master Contract Agreement discussion held; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) available

As you know, the GAO Union and GAO management will enter into negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement (called a “Master Contract” agreement) about the terms and conditions of work at GAO during 2009. 

The Assembly held a Special Meeting on the master contract process on March 18, in which Julie Clark, IFPTE General Counsel, helped explain the overall structure and process.  For your convenience, a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing an overview of the upcoming negotiations for a Master Contract agreement, compiled by Suzanne Rubins, is available.

CG selection process continues; GAO Union providing input on important criteria for CG nominees

Based on your input, the GAO Union is providing a letter that outlines important criteria for the selection of the next Comptroller General.  In response to a request from Congress, the GAO Union Assembly gathered suggestions for the preferred skills, experience, and criteria from the Union membership and the bargaining unit regarding the selection of the CG.  A letter to Congress from the GAO Union is available.

2009 Pay Agreement Update:  GAO Management and GAO Union preparing for negotiations

GAO management and the GAO Union are preparing to continue negotiations for the second part of the 2009 pay increase, the Performance Based Compensation (PBC) payout.  GAO management is continuing to examine the level of funding provided in the 2009 budget and will negotiate the PBC budget factor with the GAO Union.  The GAO Union has negotiated with GAO to pay PBC retroactively to January 4, 2009.

PAST COMMUNIQUES:

03/16/09:  Selecting the new Comptroller General—Submit your comments for Congress
03/02/09:  GAO Employees Develop Alternative to SRS for 2009 Performance-Based Compensation
02/20/09:  FMA Assembly Delegate chosen, Union Assembly Officially Takes Office
02/02/09:  Management announces policy to streamline reports; Union seeks clarification and guidance on implementation
01/27/09:  New Look Communique
01/16/09: Assembly Election Schedule; Join the Union by January 30th to Vote
12/17/08: Officer Election Results
12/15/08: GAO Presents Initial 2009 Pay Proposal

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