NVAC Files ULP for Union Bypass
On April 16th, 202, VA management officials from VISN 5 met with approximately 265 bargaining unit employees (BUEs) assigned to a mental health clinic in the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System to discuss several topics ranging from perspectives of the work environment to potential changes in working conditions without giving a formal invitation to the AFGE representatives to attent. This is a potential violation of 5 U.S.C 7114 (a)(2)(A) “An exclusive representative of an appropriate unit in an agency shall be given the opportunity to be represented at any formal discussion between one or more representatives of the agency and one or more employees in the unit or their representatives concerning any grievance or any personnel policy or practices or other general condition of employment”. By failing to invite the Union to this meeting, the Agency has failed to give it’s BUEs the opportunity to be represented at this formal discussion.
Union representation is important on any formal discussion where conditions of employment will be discussed. Without Union presence, it is uncertain to determine if what is discussed during such meeting is in violation of employee rights. Here at the Robles Rex VAMC, We are also experiencing Union bypass by the agency at different levels where similar actions have been taken, however, it is imperative that, if this happens to you, make sure to notify the Union right away. The Agency would like to keep the Union in the dark, but remember, with your envolvement, you can make our Union informed and strong in action.
https://files.constantcontact.com/f2f726b3801/5bd29f30-4649-497c-a0f5-f55fec34e618.pdf?rdr=true