1) What is the role of IFPTE in GAO’s union?
IFPTE essentially serves as a resource by providing professional staff support (e.g., legal, legislative, research). For example, IFPTE’s legal and research staff will support contract negotiations, review and negotiate new GAO proposed orders and other changes to our working conditions. It can also facilitate a mentoring relationship between our union and other IFPTE federal unions (e.g., Social Security Administration Law Judges Association, Immigration Judges Association, CRS, PBGC).
Under our union’s direction, IFPTE works closely with GAO’s Congressional Oversight and Appropriation’s Committees to make sure that GAO employees have a direct and independent channel of communications to Congress on GAO mission and budget issues. IFPTE has also assisted our union elected officials in providing testimony and information to Congressional committees and offices on legislation or other matters affecting GAO employees.
2) Can you explain IFPTE’s political activities with respect to the independence of the GAO Employees Organization?
The IFPTE recognizes our union (Local 1921) is bound by standards of impartiality and non-partisanship in their official work for Congress. It is understood and agreed that in the event the IFPTE endorses a political candidate or take one a political positions, our union will abstain from these endorsements/actions and may elect to abstain from participating in legislative advocacy. It is also understood that such actions or activities by IFPTE are not on behalf of, nor representative of our union and its members.
GAO Agreement with IFPTE [PDF]
3) Where can I find information on IFPTE and its Locals?
Check out IFPTE’s web site which also has a page with links to its Locals, such as the Congressional Research Service.
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