ML23038A024
| ML23038A024 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/15/2022 |
| From: | Christopher Hanson NRC/Chairman |
| To: | Capito S US SEN (Senate), US SEN, Comm on Environment & Public Works |
| References | |
| Download: ML23038A024 (1) | |
Text
THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT IS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE IN ADAMS AT ML21321A264
Table of Contents NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents Preamble............................................................................................................................................................... 1 Article 1 Recognition and Coverage.................................................................................................................. 3 1.1 General Provisions..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Unit Composition........................................................................................................................................ 3 1.3 Scope......................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Employee Definition................................................................................................................................... 4 1.5 List of Bargaining Unit Employees............................................................................................................. 4 1.6 Agency Rules, Policies and Regulations.................................................................................................... 4 1.7 Existing Agreements.................................................................................................................................. 4 Article 2 Employee Rights and Responsibilities.............................................................................................. 5 2.1 Employee Rights........................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 NRC Values................................................................................................................................................ 5 2.3 Representation........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Weingarten Rights...................................................................................................................................... 5 2.5 Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Investigations................................................................................. 5 2.6 Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Interview Warnings........................................................................ 6 2.7 Grievance Participation.............................................................................................................................. 6 2.8 Employee Compliance............................................................................................................................... 6 2.9 Reaction to Supervisory Instruction........................................................................................................... 6 2.10 Open Door Policy, Non-concurrence Process, and Differing Professional Opinions Program................ 7 Article 3 Management Rights and Responsibilities......................................................................................... 9 3.1 Management Rights................................................................................................................................... 9 3.2 Agency Regulations and Policies............................................................................................................... 9 3.3 Merit System Principles.............................................................................................................................. 9 3.4 Prohibited Personnel Practices................................................................................................................ 10 3.5 Employee Donations................................................................................................................................ 12 Article 4 Union Rights and Responsibilities................................................................................................... 13 4.1 Exclusive Representative......................................................................................................................... 13 4.2 Formal Meetings...................................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 NTEU Formal Meeting Participation........................................................................................................ 13 4.4 No Strike Clause...................................................................................................................................... 13 Article 5 Equal Employment Opportunity........................................................................................................ 15 5.1 Policy........................................................................................................................................................ 15 5.2 EEO Complaints and Other Alternative Processes.................................................................................. 15 5.3 EEO Advisory Committees........................................................................................................................ 16 5.4 EEO Training.................................................................................................................................................16 5.5 Changes to EEO Programs...................................................................................................................... 17 5.6 Information Sharing.................................................................................................................................. 17 5.7 NTEU Representation.............................................................................................................................. 17 Article 6 Hours of Work..................................................................................................................................... 19 6.1 Official Hours - Headquarters................................................................................................................... 19 6.2 Official Hours - Regional Offices.............................................................................................................. 19 6.3 Breaks...................................................................................................................................................... 19 6.4 Factors Governing Establishment and Adjustment of Work Schedules.................................................. 19 i
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents 6.5 Office Coverage....................................................................................................................................... 19 6.6 Approval of Work Schedules.................................................................................................................... 19 6.7 Scheduling................................................................................................................................................ 20 6.8 Compressed Work Schedules (CWS)...................................................................................................... 20 6.9 NEWFlex.................................................................................................................................................. 21 6.10 Credit Hours........................................................................................................................................... 22 6.11 First 40 Schedule................................................................................................................................. 23 6.12 Supervisory Discretion........................................................................................................................... 23 6.13 Grievability.............................................................................................................................................. 23 Article 7 Telework............................................................................................................................................... 25 7.1 General..................................................................................................................................................... 25 7.2 Management Discretion........................................................................................................................... 25 7.3 Types of Telework..................................................................................................................................... 25 7.4 Eligibility................................................................................................................................................... 26 7.5 Training..................................................................................................................................................... 27 7.6 Request to Participate in the Telework Program...................................................................................... 27 7.7 Responses to Requests to Participate in the Telework Program............................................................. 27 7.8 Modification or Temporary Suspension of the Agreement....................................................................... 28 7.9 Termination of the Agreement.................................................................................................................. 28 7.10 Full-Time Telework................................................................................................................................. 28 7.11 Special Circumstances Work at Home................................................................................................... 29 7.12 Performance of Work............................................................................................................................. 29 7.13 Technology, Equipment, and Supplies................................................................................................... 30 7.14 Telework in Continuity of Operations and Other Weather or Emergency Conditions............................ 30 7.15 Reports................................................................................................................................................... 30 Article 8 Blank.................................................................................................................................................... 31 Article 9 Holidays............................................................................................................................................... 33 9.1 Work Assignments on Holidays................................................................................................................ 33 9.2 Notification to Employees......................................................................................................................... 33 Article 10 Annual Leave..................................................................................................................................... 35 10.1 Annual Leave......................................................................................................................................... 35 10.2 Requests................................................................................................................................................ 35 10.3 Consecutive Leave Weeks..................................................................................................................... 35 10.4 Use or Lose Leave................................................................................................................................. 35 10.5 Substitution of Leave.............................................................................................................................. 36 10.6 Religious Holidays.................................................................................................................................. 36 10.7 Dismissal and Closure Procedures........................................................................................................ 36 Article 11 Sick Leave.......................................................................................................................................... 37 11.1 Sick Leave.............................................................................................................................................. 37 11.2 Supervisory Notification of Unanticipated Sick Leave............................................................................ 37 11.3 Leave Requests..................................................................................................................................... 37 11.4 Medical Documentation or Other Evidence............................................................................................ 38 Article 12 Advanced Annual and Sick Leave................................................................................................... 41 12.1 Advanced Annual Leave........................................................................................................................ 41 12.2 Advanced Sick Leave............................................................................................................................. 41 Article 13 Leave Without Pay............................................................................................................................ 43 13.1 Agency Approval.................................................................................................................................... 43 13.2 Family Leave.......................................................................................................................................... 43 ii
Table of Contents NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement 13.3 Relationship to Annual and Sick Leave.................................................................................................. 43 13.4 Extended Leave Without Pay................................................................................................................. 43 13.5 Duration of Leave Without Pay.............................................................................................................. 43 Article 14 Weather and Safety Leave............................................................................................................... 45 14.1 General Definitions................................................................................................................................. 45 14.2 Granting and Recording of Weather and Safety Leave......................................................................... 45 14.3 Telework Employees.............................................................................................................................. 46 14.4 Emergency Employees.......................................................................................................................... 47 14.5 Individual Requests................................................................................................................................ 47 14.6 Operating Status Announcements......................................................................................................... 48 Article 15 Family Leave..................................................................................................................................... 49 15.1 Leave Entitlement Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)................................................... 49 15.2 Requests for Leave Under FMLA........................................................................................................... 50 15.3 Parental Leave....................................................................................................................................... 50 15.4 Pregnancy Accommodations.................................................................................................................. 52 Article 16 Other Leave Provisions and Excused Absences.......................................................................... 53 16.1 Military Leave......................................................................................................................................... 53 16.2 Court Leave............................................................................................................................................ 53 16.3 Bone Marrow and Organ Donation........................................................................................................ 53 16.4 Public Elections...................................................................................................................................... 53 16.5 Agency Sponsored Blood Donation....................................................................................................... 53 16.6 Tardiness and Brief Absences During the Workday............................................................................... 53 16.7 Medical-Related Absences.................................................................................................................... 54 16.8 Participation in Civil Defense Activities.................................................................................................. 54 16.9 NRC Job Placement Interviews and Examinations............................................................................... 54 16.10 Travel to seek permanent residence quarters..................................................................................... 54 16.11 Absences associated with a move (up to 40 hours4.62963e-4 days <br />0.0111 hours <br />6.613757e-5 weeks <br />1.522e-5 months <br />)............................................................................. 54 16.12 Employees returning from active military duty (up to 5 consecutive days).......................................... 55 16.13 Armed forces or federal law enforcement officer funerals................................................................... 55 16.14 Volunteer activities directly related to the NRCs mission or in the NRCs interest.............................. 55 16.15 Administrative Leave Act of 2016......................................................................................................... 56 16.16 Leave Use Increments......................................................................................................................... 56 Article 17 Merit Selection Procedures............................................................................................................. 57 17.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................................................. 57 17.2 Coverage................................................................................................................................................ 57 17.3 Exclusions.............................................................................................................................................. 57 17.4 Employee Consideration........................................................................................................................ 58 17.5 Vacancy Announcement Posting........................................................................................................... 59 17.6 Vacancy Announcement Content........................................................................................................... 59 17.7 Application Submissions........................................................................................................................ 60 17.8 Minimum Qualifications.......................................................................................................................... 60 17.9 Crediting Plans....................................................................................................................................... 60 17.10 Consideration of Training and Awards.................................................................................................. 60 17.11 Rating Process and Scores.................................................................................................................. 61 17.12 Certification Record (CERT)................................................................................................................ 62 17.13 Selection Certificate/Best Qualified List (BQL).................................................................................... 63 17.14 Interviews During the Selection Process............................................................................................. 63 17.15 Effective Date of Competitive Promotions and Reassignments........................................................... 63 17.16 Notification of Unsuccessful Candidates.............................................................................................. 64 17.17 Retroactive Pay.................................................................................................................................... 64 iii
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents 17.18 Union Access to Vacancy/Promotion File............................................................................................. 64 17.19 Priority Consideration........................................................................................................................... 64 Article 18 Noncompetitive Promotions............................................................................................................ 67 18.1 Definition................................................................................................................................................ 67 18.2 Basis....................................................................................................................................................... 67 18.3 Determination Not To Promote............................................................................................................... 67 18.4 Grievances............................................................................................................................................. 67 18.5 Notice of Promotion Potential................................................................................................................. 68 Article 19 Details and Rotational Assignments.............................................................................................. 69 19.1 Details.................................................................................................................................................... 69 19.2 Temporary Promotions........................................................................................................................... 69 19.3 Return from Detail or Rotational Assignment......................................................................................... 69 19.4 Work Assignments During a Detail or Rotational Assignment............................................................... 69 19.5 Notice..................................................................................................................................................... 69 19.6 Workstation Changes............................................................................................................................. 69 19.7 Rotational Assignment Program............................................................................................................ 70 Article 20 Reassignments................................................................................................................................. 73 20.1 Definition................................................................................................................................................ 73 20.2 Reassignment Action............................................................................................................................. 73 20.3 Change in Duty Station.......................................................................................................................... 73 20.4 Notice of Mobility.................................................................................................................................... 73 20.5 Non-applicability..................................................................................................................................... 73 20.6 Employee Requests for Reassignment.................................................................................................. 73 Article 21 Position Descriptions....................................................................................................................... 75 21.1 Applicability............................................................................................................................................. 75 21.2 Recommendations and Classification Appeals...................................................................................... 75 21.3 Change Notification................................................................................................................................ 75 21.4 Other Duties........................................................................................................................................... 75 21.5 Assignments Outside Position Descriptions........................................................................................... 76 Article 22 Awards............................................................................................................................................... 77 22.1 General................................................................................................................................................... 77 22.2 Implementation....................................................................................................................................... 77 22.3 Data Provided to NTEU.......................................................................................................................... 77 22.4 Other Awards.......................................................................................................................................... 78 22.5 Nomination by Employees..................................................................................................................... 79 22.6 Issuance of Awards................................................................................................................................ 79 Article 23 Suggestion Awards.......................................................................................................................... 81 23.1 Employee Notification............................................................................................................................ 81 23.2 Award Consideration.............................................................................................................................. 81 23.3 Award Determination.............................................................................................................................. 81 Article 24 Within-Grade Increases.................................................................................................................... 83 24.1 Within-Grade Increases......................................................................................................................... 83 24.2 Relationship to Conduct......................................................................................................................... 83 24.3 Waiting Period........................................................................................................................................ 83 24.4 Performance Feedback.......................................................................................................................... 83 24.5 Final Determination................................................................................................................................ 83 24.6 Effective Date of a Within-Grade Increase............................................................................................. 84 iv
Table of Contents NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement 24.7 Effective Date of Improved Performance............................................................................................... 84 24.8 Burden of Proof...................................................................................................................................... 84 Article 25 Performance Appraisal System....................................................................................................... 85 25.1 Contract Precedence............................................................................................................................. 85 25.2 Changes to Elements and Standards.................................................................................................... 85 25.3 Management Responsibilities................................................................................................................ 85 25.4 Receipt of Elements and Standards...................................................................................................... 85 25.5 Appraisal Period..................................................................................................................................... 85 25.6 Notice of Delay....................................................................................................................................... 86 25.7 The Appraisal Process........................................................................................................................... 86 25.8 Grievances............................................................................................................................................. 86 25.9 Performance Feedback.......................................................................................................................... 86 25.10 Performance Improvement Requirements Memorandum (PIRM)....................................................... 87 25.11 Proposed Performance-Related Actions.............................................................................................. 88 25.12 Final Decision....................................................................................................................................... 89 25.13 Appeal.................................................................................................................................................. 89 25.14 Details and Rotational Assignments.................................................................................................... 89 25.15 Self-Assessment.................................................................................................................................. 89 25.16 Receipt of Appraisal and Comment Period.......................................................................................... 89 25.17 Appraisal Data...................................................................................................................................... 89 Article 26 Training and Development.............................................................................................................. 91 26.1 Training Decisions.................................................................................................................................. 91 26.2 Reimbursement to Agency..................................................................................................................... 91 26.3 NonGovernmental Training in Excess of 80 Hours................................................................................ 91 26.4 On-The-Job Training.............................................................................................................................. 92 26.5 Outside Information................................................................................................................................ 92 26.6 Training Related to Merit Selection........................................................................................................ 92 26.7 Self-Development................................................................................................................................... 92 26.8 Conference Consideration..................................................................................................................... 92 26.9 Individual Development Plan (IDP)........................................................................................................ 92 Article 27 Pay and Benefits............................................................................................................................... 93 27.1 Pay System............................................................................................................................................ 93 27.2 Public Transit Subsidy............................................................................................................................ 93 27.3 Pre-tax Parking...................................................................................................................................... 93 Article 28 Overtime Work.................................................................................................................................. 95 28.1 Performance of Overtime Work.............................................................................................................. 95 28.2 Exempt or Nonexempt Employees........................................................................................................ 95 28.3 Distribution of Overtime.......................................................................................................................... 95 28.4 Notification of Involuntary Overtime....................................................................................................... 95 28.5 Overtime Work and Associated Compensation..................................................................................... 95 28.6 Voluntary Overtime................................................................................................................................. 96 28.7 W ork Performed at Home or at Non-Work Locations Outside Scheduled Duty Hours.......................... 96 Article 29 Compensatory Time......................................................................................................................... 97 29.1 Regular Compensatory Time Off......................................................................................................... 97 29.2 Compensatory Time Increments............................................................................................................ 97 29.3 Special Compensatory Time Off for Travel............................................................................................ 97 29.4 Requests to Use Compensatory Time................................................................................................... 97 29.5 Compensatory Time for Religious Observances................................................................................... 97 v
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents Article 30 Overpayments to Employees........................................................................................................ 101 30.1 Claim Waiver........................................................................................................................................ 101 30.2 Waiver Criteria...................................................................................................................................... 101 30.3 Collection.............................................................................................................................................. 101 Article 31 Employee Assistance Program..................................................................................................... 103 31.1 Implementation..................................................................................................................................... 103 31.2 NTEU Orientation................................................................................................................................. 103 31.3 Referrals............................................................................................................................................... 103 Article 32 Temporary Assignment of Other Duties....................................................................................... 105 32.1 Reasonable Efforts to Assign Other Duties.......................................................................................... 105 Article 33 Retirement and Resignation.......................................................................................................... 107 33.1 Retirement Planning............................................................................................................................. 107 33.2 Retirement Information Upon Separation............................................................................................ 107 33.3 Withdrawal of a Resignation/Retirement Application........................................................................... 107 33.4 Request for Annuity Information........................................................................................................... 107 33.5 Union Notification................................................................................................................................. 107 Article 34 Repayment of Student Loans........................................................................................................ 109 34.1 Policy and Provisions........................................................................................................................... 109 Article 35 Moves and Work Space Changes..................................................................................................111 35.1 Scope....................................................................................................................................................111 35.2 Work Space Assignment.......................................................................................................................111 35.3 Meetings................................................................................................................................................112 35.4 Duty Time..............................................................................................................................................112 35.5 Union Notification and Bargaining.........................................................................................................112 Article 36 Day Care...........................................................................................................................................113 36.1 Day Care Facility...................................................................................................................................113 36.2 Child Care Subsidy...............................................................................................................................113 Article 37 Physical Fitness Activities..............................................................................................................115 37.1 Policy and Purpose...............................................................................................................................115 37.2 Procedures and Guidance....................................................................................................................115 Article 38 Health and Safety.............................................................................................................................117 38.1 Safe and Healthy Environment.............................................................................................................117 38.2 Reporting of Unsafe Conditions............................................................................................................117 38.3 Employee Right to File a Grievance.....................................................................................................117 38.4 Employee Departure Due to Unsafe or Unhealthy Conditions.............................................................117 38.5 Annual Building Inspections..................................................................................................................117 38.6 Posting of Evacuation Plans.................................................................................................................118 38.7 Health Services or First Aid ..................................................................................................................118 38.8 Employee Health Maintenance Exams.................................................................................................118 38.9 Assistance for Incapacitated Employees..............................................................................................118 38.10 Availability of Health Plan Information.................................................................................................118 38.11 Notice of Exposure..............................................................................................................................118 38.12 Smoking Restrictions..........................................................................................................................118 38.13 Safety Equipment................................................................................................................................118 38.14 NRC Furnished Reports......................................................................................................................118 38.15 Elevator Shutdown..............................................................................................................................119 vi
Table of Contents NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 39 Parking............................................................................................................................................. 121 39.1 Federal Regulations............................................................................................................................. 121 39.2 Parking Changes.................................................................................................................................. 121 39.3 Office Relocation.................................................................................................................................. 121 39.4 Allotment of Parking Spaces................................................................................................................ 121 39.5 Parking Procedures.............................................................................................................................. 122 Article 40 Travel................................................................................................................................................ 123 40.1 Application of Federal Travel Regulation............................................................................................. 123 40.2 Scheduling of Travel............................................................................................................................. 123 40.3 Impact of the Fair Labor Standards Act on Official Travel................................................................... 123 40.4 Official Duty Station............................................................................................................................... 123 40.5 Travel Advances................................................................................................................................... 123 40.6 Travel Reimbursement......................................................................................................................... 124 40.7 Actual Subsistence Expenses.............................................................................................................. 124 40.8 Use of Privately-Owned Vehicle........................................................................................................... 124 40.9 Voluntarily Returning to Permanent Duty Station While on Travel...................................................... 124 40.10 Illness During Travel Status............................................................................................................... 124 40.11 Local Travel........................................................................................................................................ 124 40.12 Travel Regulation............................................................................................................................... 124 40.13 N otice of a Difference Between Travel Voucher Claim and Reimbursement Amount....................... 125 40.14 Reimbursement for Parking............................................................................................................... 125 Article 41 Labor Management Relations and Partnership Committees..................................................... 127 41.1 Establishment of Partnership Committees........................................................................................... 127 41.2 Subcommittees.................................................................................................................................... 127 41.3 Joint Labor/Management Day Care Committee.................................................................................. 127 Article 42 Mid-term Bargaining....................................................................................................................... 129 42.1 Application............................................................................................................................................ 129 42.2 Notice................................................................................................................................................... 129 42.3 Ground Rules....................................................................................................................................... 129 42.4 Impasses.............................................................................................................................................. 130 42.5 Agreements........................................................................................................................................... 131 42.6 Information Requests........................................................................................................................... 131 Article 43 Access to Personnel Records....................................................................................................... 133 43.1 Access to Records............................................................................................................................... 133 43.2 Copies of Documents........................................................................................................................... 133 43.3 Privacy Act............................................................................................................................................ 133 43.4 Official Personnel Folders.................................................................................................................... 133 43.5 Employee Records Maintained By Supervisor.................................................................................... 133 43.6 Union Requests for Documents........................................................................................................... 133 Article 44 Disciplinary Actions....................................................................................................................... 135 44.1 Definition.............................................................................................................................................. 135 44.2 Exclusion for Oral and Written Counseling.......................................................................................... 135 44.3 Progressive Discipline.......................................................................................................................... 135 44.4 Copies of Evidence Documents........................................................................................................... 135 44.5 Favorable Information in Investigative Reports.................................................................................... 135 44.6 Arbitrator Request for Documents........................................................................................................ 135 44.7 Notification of Suspension of 14 Days or Less.................................................................................... 135 44.8 Copies.................................................................................................................................................. 136 44.9 Reprimands or Admonishments........................................................................................................... 136 vii
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents 44.10 Information......................................................................................................................................... 137 44.11 Employee Notification of No Action Taken......................................................................................... 137 44.12 Alternative Discipline.......................................................................................................................... 137 Article 45 Adverse Actions.............................................................................................................................. 139 45.1 Definition.............................................................................................................................................. 139 45.2 Exclusions............................................................................................................................................ 139 45.3 Progressive Discipline.......................................................................................................................... 139 45.4 Copies of Documents........................................................................................................................... 140 45.5 Favorable Information in Investigative Reports.................................................................................... 140 45.6 Arbitrator Request for Documents........................................................................................................ 140 45.7 Adverse Action Procedures.................................................................................................................. 140 45.8 Copies.................................................................................................................................................. 142 45.9 Information........................................................................................................................................... 142 45.10 Employee Notification of No Action Taken......................................................................................... 142 45.11 Alternative Discipline.......................................................................................................................... 142 Article 46 Grievance Procedures.................................................................................................................... 143 46.1 Purpose of Grievance Procedure......................................................................................................... 143 46.2 Definitions............................................................................................................................................. 143 46.3 Conditions of Employment................................................................................................................... 144 46.4 Exclusions............................................................................................................................................ 144 46.5 Exclusivity............................................................................................................................................. 144 46.6 Joint Filing............................................................................................................................................ 145 46.7 Representation (Employee)................................................................................................................. 145 46.8 Representation (Institutional)............................................................................................................... 145 46.9 Duty Time............................................................................................................................................. 145 46.10 Filing................................................................................................................................................... 145 46.11 Timeliness........................................................................................................................................... 146 46.12 Content............................................................................................................................................... 146 46.13 Union and NRC Institutional Grievances........................................................................................... 146 46.14 Step A Guidelines............................................................................................................................... 146 46.15 Step B Guidelines.............................................................................................................................. 147 46.16 Appeal to Arbitration........................................................................................................................... 147 46.17 Time Limits......................................................................................................................................... 147 46.18 Distribution of Decisions..................................................................................................................... 148 46.19 Grievance Meeting Attendance.......................................................................................................... 148 46.20 Process Participation......................................................................................................................... 148 46.21 Document Requests........................................................................................................................... 148 46.22 Non-Grievability and Non-Arbitrability................................................................................................ 148 Article 47 Arbitration Procedures................................................................................................................... 149 47.1 Invocation............................................................................................................................................. 149 47.2 Appeal to Arbitration............................................................................................................................. 149 47.3 Procedures........................................................................................................................................... 149 47.4 Expedited Arbitration Procedures........................................................................................................ 150 47.5 Arbitration Expense and Time.............................................................................................................. 151 47.6 Arbitrator Responsibility....................................................................................................................... 151 47.7 Burden of Proof.................................................................................................................................... 152 Article 48 Trial Period Employees.................................................................................................................. 153 48.1 Duration................................................................................................................................................ 153 48.2 Termination Procedures....................................................................................................................... 153 viii
Table of Contents NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 49 Reduction In Force (RIF)................................................................................................................ 155 49.1 Advance Notification of RIF.................................................................................................................. 155 49.2 Impact and Implementation Bargaining............................................................................................... 155 49.3 Follow-up Notification........................................................................................................................... 155 49.4 RIF Procedures.................................................................................................................................... 155 49.5 Information to NTEU............................................................................................................................ 156 49.6 Notice to Employees............................................................................................................................ 156 49.7 Career Transition Assistance............................................................................................................... 157 Article 50 Meetings with New Employees...................................................................................................... 159 50.1 Content and Duration........................................................................................................................... 159 50.2 New Employee Notification.................................................................................................................. 159 Article 51 Union Representatives................................................................................................................... 161 51.1 Notices and Other Communications.................................................................................................... 161 51.2 Authority............................................................................................................................................... 161 51.3 Number of Headquarters Union Officials............................................................................................. 161 51.4 Number of Regional Union Officials..................................................................................................... 161 51.5 Steward Listing..................................................................................................................................... 161 51.6 Steward Changes................................................................................................................................. 161 51.7 Scope of Steward Appointments.......................................................................................................... 161 51.8 Steward Functions in Relation to Official Duties.................................................................................. 162 Article 52 Official Time..................................................................................................................................... 163 52.1 Official Time.......................................................................................................................................... 163 52.2 Official Time Allocation ........................................................................................................................ 163 52.3 Allocated Official Time Functions......................................................................................................... 163 52.4 Non-Allocated Official Time Functions................................................................................................. 164 52.5 Requesting and Recording Official Time Usage.................................................................................. 164 52.6 Employee Duty Time............................................................................................................................ 164 52.7 Credit Hours......................................................................................................................................... 165 52.8 Internal Union Business....................................................................................................................... 165 Article 53 Union Access to NRC Facilities.................................................................................................... 167 53.1 Union Office Space.............................................................................................................................. 167 53.2 Meeting Space..................................................................................................................................... 167 53.3 Use of Telephones............................................................................................................................... 167 53.4 Union Elections.................................................................................................................................... 167 53.5 Building Access.................................................................................................................................... 167 53.6 Use of Computer Systems................................................................................................................... 168 Article 54 Union Access to NRC Services..................................................................................................... 169 54.1 Copy Machine...................................................................................................................................... 169 54.2 Mail Services........................................................................................................................................ 169 54.3 Intra-agency Mail.................................................................................................................................. 169 54.4 Newsletter Distribution......................................................................................................................... 169 54.5 Collective Bargaining Agreement Distribution...................................................................................... 169 54.6 Collective Bargaining Agreement Format............................................................................................ 169 54.7 Management Directives....................................................................................................................... 169 54.8 Distribution of Printed Union Literature................................................................................................ 170 54.9 NTEU Representative Pictures............................................................................................................ 170 ix
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Table of Contents Article 55 Bulletin Boards............................................................................................................................... 171 55.1 Bulletin Boards Usage.......................................................................................................................... 171 55.2 Video Displays...................................................................................................................................... 171 55.3 Video Broadcast................................................................................................................................... 171 Article 56 Dues Withholding........................................................................................................................... 173 56.1 Eligibility............................................................................................................................................... 173 56.2 Remittance........................................................................................................................................... 173 56.3 Certification.......................................................................................................................................... 173 56.4 Union Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................... 173 56.5 Agency Responsibilities....................................................................................................................... 174 56.6 Voluntary Allotments............................................................................................................................. 175 56.7 Allotment Processing............................................................................................................................ 175 56.8 Effective Date of Allotment................................................................................................................... 175 56.9 Changes in Dues Withholding Amount................................................................................................ 175 56.10 Termination......................................................................................................................................... 175 56.11 Insufficient Amounts........................................................................................................................... 176 56.12 Involuntary Cancellation of Dues Withholding................................................................................... 176 56.13 Voluntary Cancellation of Dues Withholding...................................................................................... 176 56.14 Administrative Errors in Processing Dues Withholding...................................................................... 176 Article 57 Duration........................................................................................................................................... 177 57.1 Duration................................................................................................................................................ 177 57.2 Reopeners............................................................................................................................................ 177 Subject Index.................................................................................................................................................... 179 x
PREAMBLE NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement PREAMBLE The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, hereinafter referred to as the EMPLOYER and the National Treasury Employees Union hereinafter referred to as the UNION or NTEU, and Chapter 208, recognize that the right of employees to organize, bargain collectively, and participate through labor organizations of their own choos-ing in decisions which affect them, safeguards the public interest, contributes to the effective conduct of public business, and facilitates and encourages the amicable settlement of disputes between employees and employ-ers involving conditions of employment; and The Employer and the Union recognize that the public interest demands the highest standards of employee performance and the continued development and implementation of modern and progressive work practices to facilitate and improve employee performance and the efficient accomplishment of the operations of the govern-ment; and The Employer and the Union recognize every intention to deal with each other in good faith, honesty, and mu-tual respect. This cooperation promotes both the efficiency of the Employers operation and the well-being of its employees; and The Employer and the Union agree that the dignity of employees will be respected in the implementation and application of this Agreement as well as related personnel policies and practices; and The Employer and the Union hereby further agree as follows:
1
Article 7 Telework NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 7 Telework 7.1 GENERAL This Article pertains to the implementation of a Telework Program whereby participants are allowed to work at home or at other approved offsite locations, including other NRC facilities not associated with an employees position of record. For the purposes of this Article the terms telework and telecommuting can be used inter-changeably, and can include work- at-home.
NRC and NTEU jointly recognize the benefits of the Telework Program which can, among other things, provide the opportunity to enhance workplace efficiency, increase employee morale, and reduce traffic congestion. In recognizing these benefits, both parties acknowledge the need of the Commission to accomplish its mission.
Participants in the Telework Program will receive the same treatment as non-participants for the purposes of performance evaluations, training, rewarding, reassigning, promoting, reducing in grade, retaining, and remov-ing employees, work requirements, and other acts involving managerial discretion. While teleworking, all work-place policies remain in place, including start/end times, rules regarding time and attendance, and employee expectations concerning performance and conduct.
7.2 MANAGEMENT DISCRETION Telework is subject to approval by management and is not an employee entitlement. Approval or denial of an employees request to telework will be based on telework not diminishing the employees performance or agen-cy operations, applicable law, regulation, and the provisions of this Article.
Management has the discretion in deciding whether a particular position or class of positions is appropriate for the Telework Program based on the content of the work, consistent with the criteria set forth in this Article.
Although an employee may request a particular day(s) and/or time to telework, NRC management has final approval.
7.3 TYPES OF TELEWORK The following telework schedules are available:
7.3.1 Fixed - a recurring telework arrangement with a fixed schedule that designates the day(s) and hours each pay period in which work will be performed at the employees home or approved offsite location, including other NRC facilities not associated with an employees position of record. A request for approval of a fixed telework schedule shall be submitted to the first line supervisor.
7.3.2 Project-based - short-term telework, when an employees work assignments, or a portion thereof, can be performed remotely for a short period of time. The duration of an approved project-based telework arrangement can be measured in terms of hours or a few days.
7.3.2.1 A request for project-based telework shall be submitted to the first-line supervisor.
7.3.2.2 The employee must request and receive managements approval for each proj-ect-based telework occurrence. The supervisor must document each specific project-based telework arrangement.
7.3.3 Special Circumstances - a non-permanent telework arrangement for a relatively short period of time due to personal incapacitation or a personal hardship.
7.3.4 Continuity of Operations (COOP) - telework performed to ensure that the Agency can continue to perform critical functions during a wide range of emergencies, including but not 25
NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 7 Telework limited to, acts of nature, accidents, and technological or attack-related emergencies.
7.4 ELIGIBILITY 7.4.1 Any employee, on any work schedule, including a part-time employee and phased retirement participants, may request a telework arrangement under any of the above listed types of telework. Subject to the provisions set forth in Section 7.2, an employee will be eligible for a telework arrangement if:
7.4.1.1 They have sufficient duties that are portable that can be effectively performed outside of the traditional office setting (e.g., face-to-face contact with others that is predictable or can be managed through other means of communications and access to necessary materials is readily available through alternative means that will not violate any law, regulation, or policy). While an employees position may not have sufficient portable duties to provide eligibility to telework regularly on a fixed schedule, the employee may still have portable duties associated with a particular assignment that would be eligible for project-based telework (e.g., on-line mandatory training).
An employee who routinely or regularly deals with classified, confidential, or sensitive documents or data or information that is not available from home (e.g.,
personnel and/or payroll records, non-public (NRC restricted) information, or information protected from unauthorized disclosure by the Privacy Act of 1974 and its implementing regulations) must be authorized to remove such documents from an NRC facility or have sufficient other work to justify the requested telework schedule.
7.4.1.2 The employees absence from the work site does not unduly interfere with the efficient operation of the organization, or the employee does not require frequent face-to-face interaction with supervisors, coworkers and/or others, or use of spe-cialized equipment.
7.4.1.3 The employees latest rating of record in all critical elements is fully successful or better, and the employee has demonstrated and maintained acceptable work habits, conduct, and adherence to agency policies. Failure in any of these areas must have been documented in writing prior to the date of the employees tele-work request to justify denial.
7.4.2 In accordance with the provisions of Public Law 111-292 (otherwise known as the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010), an employee is not eligible to telework under any circumstances if they have been officially disciplined (i.e., a warning, reprimand, or suspension):
7.4.2.1 For being absent without leave (AWOL) for more than 5 days in any calendar year; or 7.4.2.2 For violation of Subpart G of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch for viewing, downloading, or exchanging pornography, including child pornography, on a Federal government computer or while perform-ing official government duties.
7.4.3 Telework may not be used for dependent or childcare. However, merely having a child or de-pendent in the home with the teleworker is not a sufficient reason to deny a telework request.
A teleworker must continue to make arrangements for child or dependent care to the same extent as if they were working at the traditional office. If a situation arises where the employee must attend to a dependent at the alternative worksite during scheduled duty hours, the em-ployee shall immediately notify the supervisor and arrange to take leave, credit hours, or make 26
Article 7 Telework NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement other arrangements. If an employee uses telework to provide for dependent or childcare, they will be ineligible for telework until such time as arrangements for care are made.
7.5 TRAINING All employees are required to complete training to participate in the Telework Program.
7.6 REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TELEWORK PROGRAM 7.6.1 An employee requesting a project-based, fixed schedule or special circumstances telework arrangement must submit a signed telework request.
7.6.2 The employee may also submit a request for telework as a reasonable accommodation directly to the Agency Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator.
7.6.3 The employee must submit a new telework request when either of the following occurs:
7.6.3.1 the employee is promoted, reassigned, detailed to a different position, or goes on a rotation to a different position; or 7.6.3.2 the employee wishes to make any change to the telework agreement, such as the number of days or hours of telework, the location of the alternative worksite, etc.
7.6.4 The Agency will review telework agreements for accuracy as needed.
7.7 RESPONSES TO REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TELEWORK PROGRAM The employees request will be reviewed and discussed with the employee. In deciding whether to grant or deny a request, the applicable official will consider the factors set forth in Sections 7.2 and 7.4 of this Article.
Requests to participate in the fixed and special circumstances Telework Program will normally be reviewed and responded to within fifteen (15) workdays of the request. Requests for more than three (3) days of fixed tele-work per week, including full-time telework requests, will normally be reviewed and responded to within thirty (30) workdays, unless the request is to telework from an international location.
7.7.1 Approvals of Requests for Telework The telework agreement forms document the terms and conditions of participation in the program. The agreement must be signed by both parties and approved in accordance with the provisions of this Article prior to the start of the telework arrangement.
Employees approved for telework must agree to abide by the terms of the telework agreement and agency drug testing policy, complete an offsite safety checklist and complete an informa-tion security checklist.
7.7.2 Denials of Requests for Telework 7.7.2.1 If a request to participate in the Telework Program is denied, within ten (10) days of the denial, the employee will be provided an explanation in writing for the denial, specifying the reason(s) for the denial, specifically identifying which of the criteria set forth in Section 7.4 the employee has failed to meet.
7.7.2.2 The management officials final decision is grievable in accordance with Article 46, Grievance Procedures.
7.7.2.3 Upon request submitted to the Chief, Policy and Labor Employee Relations Branch, the Agency will provide the Union a copy of the management officials final decision as described in 7.7.2.2.
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NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 7 Telework 7.7.2.4 In the event management determines that a class of positions may not participate in the Telework Program, it will first provide NTEU with written notice and upon request, meet to discuss its rationale. Upon request, the Agency will provide a written ex-planation to the Union for excluding a class of positions from telework eligibility.
7.8 MODIFICATION OR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE AGREEMENT A supervisor may modify or temporarily suspend, for a specified period of time, a telework arrangement. Man-agement retains the right to make decisions to modify or temporarily suspend a Telework arrangement on a case-by-case basis and based on business needs. Where a telework schedule is modified or temporarily sus-pended, advance written notice will be provided where practicable. Supervisors and employees should work together to find a mutually acceptable alternative telework schedule where possible. Such modifications or temporary suspensions are expected to be short in duration and infrequent.
7.9 TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT 7.9.1 A supervisor may terminate the employees telework arrangement if:
7.9.1.1 the employee fails to adhere to any of the provisions of the telework agreement; 7.9.1.2 the employees performance in any critical element falls below a rating of Fully Successful; 7.9.1.3 Appropriate work is no longer available, or a specific project has been completed; 7.9.1.4 Office coverage requirements are not being met; 7.9.1.5 The employee fails to truthfully report his or her time worked; 7.9.1.6 The employee misuses government equipment;7.2.2.
7.9.1.7 The employee refuses to use an agency specified electronic means of communi-cation (e.g. email, Microsoft Teams, etc.) while teleworking; or 7.9.1.8 The employee fails to meet any of the telework eligibility requirements outlined in 7.4 above.
7.9.2 Participation may be terminated by the employee at any time. In order to terminate their tele-work agreement, the employee must inform their supervisor of the discontinuation.
7.9.3 If an employees performance falls below Fully Successful in any critical element, the employ-ees telework will be terminated after the employee is provided the memorandum required under Article 25.9.4 or Article 25.10.
7.9.4 If a Telework arrangement is terminated, the management officials final decision is grievable in accordance with Article 46, Grievance Procedures.
7.9.5 Employees may reapply for telework 90 days after the decision to terminate participation.
7.10 FULL-TIME TELEWORK 7.10.1 Any employee who meets the criteria listed in Section 7.4 may request a full-time tele-work schedule. To be approved, the employee must have duties that are 100% portable.
Management has the sole discretion to determine whether duties are 100% portable and to approve or deny such request. Management also has the discretion to terminate the full-time telework agreement if the work is no longer 100% portable or for any reason described above.
Management will not deny such requests in an arbitrary or capricious manner. In the event the agreement is terminated, the employee is responsible for all costs associated with returning to the original official duty station. The supervisor will provide written notice of termination, and the employee will normally have at least 30 but not less than 15 days to report to the original official duty station. An employee may request in writing additional time to report to the official 28
Article 7 Telework NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement duty station. The supervisor will consider any such request on a case-by-case basis.
7.10.2 The official duty station for an employee with a telework agreement who is not scheduled to report at least twice per pay period to the NRC facility associated with their position of record is the location of the telework site. The official duty station will be used to determine employee pay, locality pay, and official travel funding responsibilities and will be documented in the em-ployees Official Personnel Folder. Any relocation costs associated with moving are the sole responsibility of the employee.
7.10.3 If the NRC office associated with their position of record and the alternative worksite are within a reasonable commuting distance, then travel between the NRC office and the alternative worksite is considered local travel, and there is no travel reimbursement for travel expenses.
7.10.4 A request for full-time telework at a location outside of the United States is subject to U.S.
Department of State approval and if the Department of State approves, such approval may take several months to procure. An employee requesting such a telework arrangement will not be able to begin to telework internationally until the State Department approval has been procured.
7.11 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WORK AT HOME 7.11.1 All special circumstances work at home arrangements require a telework agreement and well-documented evidence and may be subject to review by an independent expert on behalf of the NRC.7.11.2. Medical documentation must include the number of hours and/or days an employee would be capable of working during the workday/pay period and the duration of the situation or circumstance giving rise to the work at home request.
7.11.2 All special circumstances work at home plans are non-permanent arrangements for relatively short periods of time. There is no minimum period for which a plan can be approved.
7.11.3 Generally, work at home arrangements will be approved for the duration of the special circum-stance, which should not be a period exceeding six (6) months. Determinations regarding the duration of all work at home plans will be made on a case-by-case basis. In unusual circum-stances where the need continues beyond 6 months, an employee may request an extension.
The request for an extension must be accompanied by medical or other relevant documenta-tion to support the extension.
7.11.4 All special circumstances work at home requests, including extensions, must be submitted to the first-line supervisor and be approved prior to the start of the arrangement or extension. If an employee with a disability requests special circumstances telework to enable him or her to perform the essential functions of his or her position, this is a request for reasonable accom-modation that may also be submitted to the Agency Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator.
7.12 PERFORMANCE OF WORK 7.12.1 Performance requirements for teleworking employees are the same as those for non- tele-working employees. When an employee participates in telework, expectations related to accountability do not differ by virtue of the telework arrangement. Nothing in this Article shall affect managements right to assign work or make reasonable requests to ascertain the status of work assignments.
7.12.2 A teleworking employee must be available at a specified alternative worksite to supervisors, co- workers, and the public by telephone, voicemail, email, other electronic communication or conferencing systems, as specified by the Agency, and other communications mediums during their regularly scheduled hours of work. An employee will not be subject to enhanced electron-ic tracking or surveillance solely because they are teleworking. This provision does not apply to the OIG or security-related activities of the Agency.
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NRC/NTEU Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 7 Telework 7.12.3 Time spent teleworking must be accounted for and reported in the same manner as if the employee reported for duty at the NRC worksite. Normal procedures regarding the requesting and approval of overtime, credit hours, leave, and other paid time off apply when an employee is teleworking.
7.13 TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES 7.13.1 The employee will be responsible for all home maintenance, operating costs, insurance, or any other costs (e.g., utilities, internet service) associated with the use of an alternative worksite. The Agency will provide the IT equipment determined necessary by the Agency for participating employees to perform their assigned duties. An employee is not prevented from supplementing Agency equipment with the employees personally owned equipment, in accor-dance with NRCs applicable guidance, policy, and procedure regarding use of personal de-vices (such as keyboards, headphones, monitors or mice). Employees wishing to utilize basic agency office supplies, such as paper and pens, that would otherwise be provided in the NRC supply room may retrieve such items from the supply room for use while teleworking. The Agency will not deliver to employees or reimburse employees for the cost of office supplies.
7.13.2 The teleworking employee must comply with all applicable information technology and in-formation management law, rules, regulations, and NRC policies, guidance and processes concerning information technology and information management.
7.14 TELEWORK IN CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER WEATHER OR EMERGENCY CONDITIONS Agency closures due to weather, road conditions, or other emergency conditions do not normally affect an employees ability to telework. Therefore, all employees with an approved telework agreement are expected to work their normal tour of duty by teleworking on those days when the government has unscheduled leave/
unscheduled telework, delayed arrival, early dismissal, or Federal offices are closed to the public. All such employees will not normally be granted weather and safety leave. If an emergency occurs at the telework site that impacts an employees ability to perform official duties, the employee will notify their supervisor as soon as practicable. The supervisor may direct the employee to another work site, grant weather and safety leave, or allow the employee to request appropriate leave, e.g., annual leave or LWOP.
Telework is a vital part of the NRCs COOP plan. When the agency is operating under COOP, the COOP Plan will supersede the telework policy.
7.15 REPORTS The Union will be provided with a copy of any OCHCO reports or data regarding telework participation provid-ed to any other government entity (e.g., OPM, OMB, GSA, or Congress). However, internal NRC reports that are management advice and guidance are not covered by this section.
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