Monthly Archives: July 2013

BARGAINING WITH JERKS- #2 (Negotiability) What do you do with the Jerk on the other side of the table who needlessly declares union proposals non-negotiable just to screw-up bargaining and prevent problem-solving?  Well, we can think of eight things, and … Continue reading

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OUR APOLOGIES TO THE DVA RNS A few weeks ago we posted a piece entitled, “Why VA Nurses Should Study Wall Street.”   It reviewed the advantages for employees working for the same nationwide employer to be represented by one union … Continue reading

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FOR THE FMLA SPECIALISTS The American Bar Association just issued its newest report on recent developments in FMLA case law. It is entitled, “2013 ABA FMLA Report.” If you are the union rep that handles all the FMLA matters for … Continue reading

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TRADING INFORMATION FOR MEMBERSHIP We have noticed a couple of local union newsletters that are worth bringing to your attention. Why?  Because the single most valuable thing a union can offer all its unit employees is information about what is … Continue reading

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AMERICA’S BEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY What would you do if you had an investment opportunity that paid you $7.00 for every $1.00 you invested?  If you need a hint, look at what Congress is doing–and then do the opposite.  The NY … Continue reading

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AGENCY DEMEANS EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE What would you call it when an agency decides to fund the non-supervisory employee awards budget at only 56% of what is needed, while deciding to fund the management awards account at 100% of what was needed?  We call … Continue reading

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HOW TO RESTRICT AGENCY DISCRETION IN BARGAINING One of the best things unions can do for employees is to restrict management discretion over personnel decisions. Ironically, it also is one of the best things unions can do for agencies.

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QUICK QUIZ–PROBATIONERS What do you do if a probationary employee contracts you to announce that management has just told her that if she does not resign in 72 hours it will terminate her during her probationary period?  When you ask her … Continue reading

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RETIRE OR BE REMOVED! MAKE YOUR DECISION NOW. More than a few employees have faced that choice. Some managers have even issued the proposed removal letter, heard the reply, and shown the employee the signed decision letter to force them … Continue reading

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DOL ISSUES FMLA GUIDANCE ON CARING FOR ADULT CHILDREN FMLA is available to care for adult children over 18 or older if the child is physically or mentally disabled.  The Dept. of Labor has just issued guidance on how that … Continue reading

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