<>I’d like to start off by saluting all the stewards of Chapter 49. We just finished up our annual local training. I couldn’t be more proud of our group of employees that stood up to be counted as stewards. They do a great job of serving Indiana’s employees. I’m glad they are here. So are many other folks across this state.

We have heard the complaints from Tax Compliance Officers (TCOs) out there about reengineering. It’s not working.  National NTEU is also aware of this and is actively working to make sure management conforms to the agreement they signed. This is another indication of a good concept (like the Exam and Collection reengineering) that just doesn’t work well in practical terms by increasing the burden on employees and front-line managers.  NTEU is working nationally to get the bugs out of the systems.
<>Now, let’s turn to awards. Once again, there has been a national grievance filed over the way it was done.  A grievance has been filed every year since its inception because NTEU believes management has not been following the correct pool and distribution system.  The whole problem with the awards agreement is its complexity.  NTEU has argued from the beginning that IRS’ awards plan is way too complicated.  It’s darn near impossible to do this correctly. Here’s the sad part – management told NTEU at the bargaining table that IRS would agree to this complex plan or there would be no awards program at all.  Hope springs eternal that someday we will have an awards agreement that doesn’t require a PHD in mathematics to figure correctly.  <>

The new TRAS (electronic travel reimbursement) system is another fun project.  Talks are currently going on nationally to make this easier to do and understand for both employees and managers. I am hopeful an agreement on this will be reached nationally by early November.   

At the Call site, a national grievance was filed at the end of September over the rollout of the Instructor Cadre without a signed agreement with NTEU, as federal labor laws require.  We have also signed a local mass grievance (that may become a national action) over the recall of seasonal employees in violation of the National Agreement provisions establishing the release/recall list.   

As you can see, NTEU (locally and nationally) is doing whatever needs to be done to protect your rights.  We just want what is fair and right for employees.  So, if you think there is some violation of an agreement code or regulation, let your favorite steward know and we’ll look into it.  We can’t fix things if we don’t know what’s happening.

Speaking of not knowing, did you know that if you are a member of NTEU and you move, you need to let NTEU know?  We do not get address updates from IRS. If you’ve moved recently, please let us know.  You can go to the national NTEU Web site (www.nteu.org) and input it yourself. You can also e-mail the change to your favorite Chapter 49 steward or officer and we’ll take care of it for you.

Lastly, election day is coming up.  I urge everyone to take the time to vote.  Regardless of your politics, you need to use this precious right so please make time for this. Also remember that if you have a tour-of-duty starting before 9:00AM, you are entitled to some administrative time.  Check with any steward or see the Chapter 49 Web site (www.nteu49.org) for details.

  <>
That’s it for now.

===================================================================================

CONTRACTING COLLECTION

WORK

 

As we go to press with this newsletter, a major piece of corporate tax legislation is awaiting the president’s signature (and he is expected to sign it). Included in this legislation is a provision allowing private contractors to perform tax collection work for the Internal Revenue Service.  NTEU has always believed this is a bad idea for the public and IRS workers as well.  Chapter 49 thanks all of you who took the time to write, e-mail and call your elected officials over this issue.  Even though we have lost this round, NTEU is not giving up the fight. In a recent message to Chapter Presidents, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley said the following…

NTEU will continue in its efforts to include language in the final FY ‘05 Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill that will prohibit any funds from being used for private tax collection contracts.

It now appears that the appropriations measure will be rolled into a giant budget bill for many agencies called an “omnibus” measure.  Current indications are that this bill will be considered in mid-November.  This legislation also contains our 2005 pay raise, which currently calls for an average 3.5% pay raise.  But the late budget approval process could mean we will have to wait months into the year before the raise shows-up in our paychecks.

ODDS & ENDS

 

<>--Congress has enacted the “Workforce Flexibility Act” which allows federal agencies to provide compensatory time for employees when traveling on government business.  For example, when a federal worker has to travel on Sunday to be in place for a meeting or training class at 8:00AM Monday, federal law makes it difficult or impossible for the agency to offer the employee comp hours for the Sunday travel time.  This new law will allow that.  Once the president signs the legislation, the Office of Personnel Management has 90 days to publish regulations implementing the law provisions.  

--Now, after months of difficult bargaining, and with the help of a mediator, NTEU and IRS management have hammered out an agreement to help MITS employees facing outsourcing job losses.  A job swap system will be implemented.  Outplacement services will be provided during work time.  There are many other details included in this pact to help MITS workers.  Chapter 49 President Duncan Giles has provided the details to all our members benefiting from this document.

--NTEU membership has many benefits.  We offer discount programs, a dental plan, and many other plans with a group rate discount. You’ll be supporting the most effective voice you have, whether it’s at your local office or the halls of Congress in Washington DC.  If you’re not already an NTEU member, contact any Chapter 49 steward today and learn how easy it is to join.