The GAO Union Interim Council would like to invite Band I (non-PDP) staff to apply for a vacant at-large seat representing all Band I on the Interim Council.  The following information will explain the responsibilities of this position, as well as the timeline and processes.  Due to some technical issues with the original announcement, the Interim Council is extending the nomination process.  Please see new dates and times in the timetable below.

This position was an at-large position during the Interim Council election in early November, which meant everyone within the bargaining unit (employees represented by our union) was able to vote for this position.  The council has concluded that an appointment process, rather than a conventional election process, would be more timely and efficient at this time since our work on our constitution should be done in a couple of months.  Currently there are 193 Band I (non-PDP) at GAO (Field & HQ), among the ~1750 bargaining unit members.  Once our Constitution has been ratified by the bargaining unit, we will hold new elections for all the positions laid out within the Constitution, thereby dissolving the Interim Council.

As the timetable below describes, we are inviting nominations for those bargaining unit employees who are Band I, but not in the PDP program to fill this vacancy.  If we receive more than one application, we will conduct a questioning and answering session by teleconference to assist us in making a selection.  The Interim Council will then vote and appoint the next Band I (non-PDP) Interim Council Representative.

If you have any questions or concerns after reading all of this announcement please contact Council Representative Chris Langford (langfordc@gao.gov or 202-512-6535), who has volunteered to help facilitate this special election.

Role of Interim Council Members

Interim Council Members are responsible for drafting a Constitution and Bylaws for ratification by GAO bargaining unit employees.  They also represent the interests of constituent bargaining unit employees with GAO management and Congress until permanent officers and representatives can be elected pursuant to that Constitution and Bylaws.  Council members meet a minimum of once a week in general session.  Many also participate on committees.  They request feedback from their designated constituencies when necessary and make themselves available to address individual constituent member concerns as they arise.  Although much of the work of the council is performed on a volunteer basis, there are some activities that qualify for official time, such as representing the union in meetings with management.

Timetable

Nominations: Thursday, April 10, 2008 to Tuesday, April 22, 2008 8:00PM (EDT)

Self nominations will be accepted via email to gaonominations@ifpte.org during this time period.  Only Band I non-PDP are eligible to run for this position.  Anyone wishing to see a list of nominees during this time period can email gaonominee@ifpte.org for this information.

Candidates are not required, but are strongly encouraged, to submit statements of interest no more than 200 words.  Candidates are urged to use these statements to describe their experience, knowledge of the issues, willingness to serve, and motivation for seeking an Interim Council position.  The Interim Council will use these statements, along with a questioning and answering session of the nominee to inform their appointment decision.

Confirmation: Wednesday, April 23, 2008: 

If there is more than one nominee, the Interim Council will email all nominees on the morning of April 23rd confirming their interest in this position, along with a teleconference phone number for them call into that afternoon for a questioning and answering session by the Interim Council.

Announcement: Monday, April 28, 2008: 

Once the Council selects a nominee, an announcement will be sent to all Band I (non-PDP) bargaining unit employees via email.  The new Band I Council Representative will officially take office at the following Interim Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

Challenges

Challenges to the conduct of the election must be submitted by email to gaochallenges@ifpte.org no later than 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), five work days after the date the election results are announced.  Concerns about possible election violations of these election rules may be submitted to gaochallenges@ifpte.org at any time during the course of the election process.  The Interim Council will seek to remedy alleged violations that are brought to the Interim Council's attention during the course of the election.  Post election challenges will be promptly investigated. 

If the Interim Council determines that there has been a violation of these election rules, the Interim Council will then determine whether this violation "affected the outcome of the challenged election,” and if so that election will be rerun.