Why Join AFGE

Should the situation arise where a U.S. EPA employee needs representation, that representation costs. Due to these costs, Federal unions have no duty to represent non-members in statutory appeal procedures. Dues paying members enjoy the benefit and insurance of free representation when and if they need it. The union can only do so much for non-dues paying members. These members for example are not entitled to representation in cases before the Merit System Protection Board, the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and theOffice of Personnel Management. They are also not represented in arbitration or in ULPs.

However, by joining AFGE you will have someone in “your corner” in case you have a problem, now or in the future.  AFGE Council 238 helps “level the playing field” between management and the Union members.  In addition, if you have a grievance that merits going to arbitration, your AFGE Local may pay for the costs of the arbitration, which can run into the thousands of dollars.  Arbitration will afford you an independent third party to rule on your grievance.  Remember: An injury to one is an injury to all.

If your co-worker is subject to discrimination or improper discipline or is not treated fairly and equitably, it affects you too…maybe not now, but in the future it well may be your turn to be treated poorly.  AFGE also has attorneys on staff who routinely takes matters to Federal court on your behalf.  There are also attorneys available for certain meritorious back pay and EEO cases.  The union can help in times of trouble and can help ensure a fair process.  Troubled times can fall on any Federal employee.  Even some of the best Federal employees can and have become unfair targets of management for one reason or another.

By joining AFGE, you will have a “say” in how your workplace is run.   Here are some examples of AFGE’s work on your behalf:

• Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (MCBA): AFGE has finalized the new MCBA with the majority of the contract sections being updated.  The new MCBA has been in effect since August 1, 2007.  It is the Council’s hope to update the remainder of contract when the current contract expires in 2010.
• Performance Appraisal and Recognition System (PARS) Contract: AFGE negotiated the agreement on procedures and appropriate arrangements for bargaining unit employees for the implementation of PARS.
• Leave Bank Board: AFGE Council 238 forced the Agency to acknowledge that it was not in conformance with leave bank legislation.  Consequently, there is now a three member Leave Bank Board that meets bi-weekly to make decisions on leave bank applications.  AFGE Council 238 is currently serving on the Leave Bank Board as the EPA Labor Union Coalition representative.
• Reasonable Accommodations: AFGE negotiated a National Reasonable Accommodations Procedures (NRAP) for AFGE bargaining unit employees