Hey, check out your local union reps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqr_moJGi1E

 

 

Knowledge is power, welcome to the knowledge source.

Welcome to the knowledge and empowerment source.  Allowing you to do for self.

AFGE, VA SIGN NEW COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREMENT

 

 

Posted on April 11, 2011 by afgeunion

New contract expands training, telework opportunities

WASHINGTON – Officials from the American Federation of Government Employees and the Veterans Affairs Department today signed a new national collective bargaining agreement covering more than 200,000 bargaining unit employees.

The new master agreement strengthens AFGE’s working relationship and partnership with the VA and enhances working conditions for VA’s employees, leaders said.

“This is a morale booster for our employees. A good contract behind our workers gives them the incentive to do their best work,” AFGE National President John Gage said.

Alma Lee, the president of AFGE’s National VA Council, said the new master agreement will ensure a working environment in which employees can focus on providing world-class service to our nation’s veterans.

“This master agreement is on the cutting edge of technology and incorporates wellness, telework, partnership and many other initiatives designed to make the Department of Veterans Affairs an employer of choice,” Lee said during the signing ceremony at the VA headquarters in Washington.

The new master agreement replaces the previous contract signed in 1997. Highlights of the new contract are provisions that:

• Expand opportunities for VA employees to telework, making it easier to balance work-life issues and improving employee morale.
• Add protections to health care workers who are exposed to on-the-job hazards while treating wounded warriors.
• Provide for a clearer understanding of employee rights and protections under Title 38.
• Call for creating new training program for employees to learn new skills, obtain new certifications and advance in their careers.

Two AFGE Officials Named to Federal Salary Council

Posted on March 25, 2011 by afgeunion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2010

Contact: Enid Doggett (202) 639-6419

 

Influential panel advises White House on federal pay issues

WASHINGTON – President Obama has named two American Federation of Government Employees representatives to the Federal Salary Council, which advises the White House and executive branch on federal pay issues.

J. David Cox, national secretary-treasurer, and Jacqueline Simon, public policy director, will represent AFGE on the nine-person panel. AFGE is the only employee organization to have two members on the council, reflecting AFGE’s unique role as the largest federal employee union.

The Federal Salary Council, established under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, provides the executive branch with recommendations on the locality pay program that was created in 1990 to help close the pay gap between federal and private-sector employees.

“AFGE is proud to have two members on the Federal Salary Council representing the interests of federal employees,” AFGE National President John Gage said. “Federal workers earn far less on average than their private sector counterparts – 24 percent less, according to the latest government data. The effort to close this pay gap is critically important if federal agencies expect to attract and retain the best and brightest employees that this country has to offer.”

J. David Cox has served as AFGE’s national secretary-treasurer since 2006, winning reelection by AFGE’s members in 2009. Previously, Cox served more than 11 years as first executive vice president of the AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council and 18 years as president of Local 1738. He also served as co-chair of the VA National Partnership Council and currently is vice co-chair of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council.

Jacqueline Simon is AFGE’s public policy director. In this role she is AFGE’s resident expert on a wide range of issues related to the federal government, particularly federal wages and benefits. Prior to joining AFGE, Simon was an economist at the Economic Policy Institute and an economist at the AFL-CIO. She has an ABD in Economics from American University.

Save the VA

Save the VA, will the VA exist in 2020?

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