Interim Council Chairs Interviewed on Federal News Radio

Ron La Due Lake (ARM), chair of the Interim Council, and Dan Meyer (Chicago), vice chair of the Council, were guests on the morning radio news program on Federal News Radio - AM 1050 in Washington, regarding the GAO Act of 2008 and how it will affect pay at GAO.  The interview can be heard at the following link: www.federalnewsradio.com/emedia/123236.mp3.

The interview aired Wednesday, June 18, at 8:35 AM ET on the Federal Drive, a morning talk show.

Interim Agreement Negotiations Have Begun

Interim Council representatives and GAO management are in negotiations on an interim agreement, which will address certain matters in advance of negotiating a master contract. These matters include: official time for representational activities; employee representation in meetings; arbitration; the Union's use of GAO resources; and dues withholding administrative procedures. Once negotiations are concluded, this interim agreement will be presented to the entire bargaining unit for a ratification vote.

Interim Council Members Contribute to Diversity Month Discussion

Jacqueline Harpp (Diversity – Black/African American) represented the Union on a panel discussion that focused on the Ivy Study, GAO’s human capital and management processes, the agency’s culture, and the significance of race. Two other Interim Council members also spoke on the panel, which was the keynote event of GAO’s Diversity Month. Nancy Barry (Boston), represented the Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, and Andrew Huddleston (Diversity - Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity), represented the Gay and Lesbian Employee Association. Other employees groups were also represented, including Blacks in Government, Asian-American Liaison Group, Hispanic Liaison Group, and the Veterans Association. If you missed the discussion, it is available on IPTV, on demand.

The Interim Council’s African American Performance Appraisal Study (AAPAS) Committee will continue to monitor actions taken to address the study’s recommendations.  Should employees have concerns, please contact AAPAS Committee Chair Jacqueline Harpp.

We Want Your Feedback

The Communications Committee would like your feedback regarding articles you'd like to see, questions you’d like answered, or any other suggestions. Do you have a question or concern that you think others in the bargaining unit might share? Do you have a perspective on Union-management relations that you think might provide insight to others in the bargaining unit? Do you have an idea for a regular column? Do you know someone who should be receiving the newsletter, but isn’t?  This type of feedback will help to make the newsletter relevant and keep us from becoming just another “Delete” item in your mailbox!  Please send your comments to Lesia Mandzia (HC) or Charlie Willson (EWIS).

Call for Communiqué Contributions

If you are scheduling a Union-related meeting or have a Union-related announcement and would like to ensure that the information is circulated throughout the bargaining unit, please forward the information to Lesia Mandzia (HC) or Lise Levie (EWIS) by 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 26th, for inclusion in the next edition.

Union Contacts

If you have questions or comments, or need assistance from the Union, please email your Interim Council representative (listed below).  You can also send questions and comments to ICquestions@ifpte.org.

Members of the bargaining unit are welcome to observe Interim Council meetings, either in person or by phone.  In addition, members are invited to submit or share thoughts at the beginning of the meeting. Please contact your representative or another member of the IC for more details, including the call-in number for those who cannot attend in person. The Interim Council meets each Wednesday at 3:30 PM ET in room 2T59.