Mid Year Performance:
Mid Year Performance reviews are being conducted in August! Please be sure to document your work--especially any major changes in your workload to discuss with your manager. We highly recommend you document your accomplishments throughout the year so you can have something to fall back on when discussing your performance with your manager. If you have any questions about Mid Year Performance, or would like support from the Union, please feel free to reach out to the email inbox!

Awards:
We have spoken with HR continuously about awards since the hiring freeze prevents the agency form offering promotions to other positions. They have assured us that while there likely will not be monetary awards this year, they are looking to offer time off awards if possible. We hope to provide more news on awards in the near future! 

The Hiring Freeze for Peace Corps (and most federal agencies) has been extended to Oct 15, 2025. It may end at that point or be extended but please be aware as this affects staff trying to get promotions, change positions, etc.

We received the email CHCO sent Monday regarding documenting schedules the same as our BUEs. We expressed our concerns to HR about how this information will be used and the purpose of the schedule. We received the following information to share with BUEs:
1) HR stated that this information is being gathered "to help inform supervisors of when their employees will be working." They also emphasized accountability and concerns about employees not being in office for the time they are supposed to be.
2) HR stated that employees will record their typical schedule and then report any MAJOR changes that may come in the future. For example, if you have to adjust your start time to account for school drop off in the fall but do not have to come in at that time in the summer. It is NOT meant to be updated each time an employee on the Maxi-Flex schedule chooses to flex their time. 

We still have some concerns about how this information may be used but we will keep you informed. For now, we recommend filling out the survey to the best of your ability and working with your supervisor if you need to flex your hours. 

We have had a number of BUEs reach out with concerns about the SpaceMatch program. We are pursuing a few solutions and will hopefully send updates soon but for now, we encourage you to keep being persistent and reach out if you need additional support. More info to come soon!

We know that many employees who were hired as Fully Remote or partial Telework may not have reported conditions or situations that would qualify them for a Reasonable Accommodation (RA). We urge everyone who has a condition that might qualify them for an RA to reach out to HR and pursue this option if you need it! We are always happy to help support employees who are having trouble navigating the RA forms, and we are going to try hosting some informational sessions about RA options in the near future at Office Hours. Please email either Union email account if you need support!

The Union exec team has been working hard behind the scenes to gather as much information as possible about everything that is going on at the agency and around the US. However, like all of you, we have lives, jobs, and blind spots. If you hear about something or have concerns about something please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email or join one of our meetings bi-weekly or weekly meetings. I know things are hectic right now and everyone has a lot on their plates but do not be afraid to ask for support if you need it. Take care of yourselves and each other. Take time to breathe, and remember that we have your back and are working hard to push for positive change.

As of June 17th, 2025, the RIF Pause remains in effect per the order given by District Judge Illston and upheld by the Court of Appeals. The administration has filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court to remove this pause however the Supreme Court has note yet made a decision or released an opinion. For more details about the current state of the case please click this link to the SCOTUS Blog (not govt. affiliated):
​https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/06/groups-oppose-trumps-plan-to-massively-reduce-the-federal-workforce/

The DRP 2.0 time period for the Over 40 cohort will be coming to a close in the coming weeks. By the end of June the program will be fully processed and completed. We do not have any other information about the program at this time but we are working closely with HR to track the impact of the DRP across the agency. As always if you have questions about the program or would like to contact us about it, please contact us by email or through the Contact Us Page: ​https://www.peacecorpsunion.com/contact.html

This week, the Union is working hard to get more information for BUEs regarding the impact of the DRP and the large number of reorganization changes affecting members across the agency. We have been working diligently to gather questions from members during our Bi-Weekly Meetings and Weekly Office hours so we can track down the answers from HR. For example: how is HR planning to address the gaps in staff? What are the next steps for formerly remote employees? Etc... As we continue to gather answers we will share them with members as broadly as possible. We are also in the process of cleaning up our website to add a new FAQ section and update outdated information. Please bear with us as we make these changes!

June 19th 1865 marks the day when Union soldiers freed slaves in Texas over 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln! To learn more about the history and event behind the Federal Holiday please visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture Website here: 
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth

Please reach out to the Peace Corps Union inbox or contact us page if you are interested in helping us update the website (no HTML experience needed!), track legal cases, or generally want to help in supporting the Union. You can also sign up to become a dues paying member here:
https://www.peacecorpsunion.com/join.html

Link: Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
 
Directions: Union leadership will be helping with the Youth and the Future of Culture Festival Information Booth starting at 2PM on July 4th. If you would like to join sign up for any activity or time using the provided link and email: [email protected] for a meet up spot so we can get a group picture.

Summary: The Festival will happen July 2-7 on the National Mall, each day between 10 am - 6 pm with a few evenings having some extra performances. There are also needs for people to help load in starting June 18 and load out in the week following the Festival.

The theme is Youth and the Future of Culture and it's looking both at ways that traditional crafts (stone and iron work, saddle making, etc) and cultures (native languages, music, artworks, etc) are being carried forward in younger generations, as well as what culture is created by youth (social media, skateboarding, DJing, etc).

No matter your interest, expertise or skill, there's an opportunity for you!!
Please check out more information and apply at festival.si.edu/volunteer and/or let me know if you have any questions! 

And, of course, spread the word! We need over 300 helpers each day of the Festival so I'll take anyone!
Ages 14+ are welcome, a t-shirt and free ice cream are provided!
Thank you!

The Union's Negotiations Team needs one more notetaker for their CBA negotiations meetings with management, every other Tuesday from 3 PM - 5 PM EST.  You don't have to do it every time.  You can do it on a rotational basis.  Contact:   Trina Van Schyndel [email protected]

Greetings, bargaining unit employees! We understand that this is an uncertain time in our careers as federal workers. Thank you for your commitment to Peace Corps and taking the time to complete our survey. The Union is working hard to address your questions and concerns, so we have compiled a list of FAQs to arm you with information.

1. What should I do if I am placed on administrative leave due to an Executive Order?
Being placed on administrative leave does not mean you lose your rights as a bargaining unit employee (BUE). If you are placed on administrative leave, we recommend bookmarking our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and saving our Gmail address ([email protected]), so you can reach out to us through your personal accounts. Be sure to save your important personnel documents, such as your performance reviews and SF-50 form.

2. Does our CBA provide any specific protections for remote work or telework?
No, our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) does not provide specific protections for remote work or telework. We are working with the agency to update the CBA and will continue to advocate for remote work and telework.

3. What happens if my remote work agreement is canceled?
According to Manual Section 633, if the agency cancels your remote work agreement, you will have 60 calendar days from the date you are notified to return to your official worksite, which is HQ in Washington, DC for most employees. If you are not available for duty during this 60-day period, you would be required to take leave.
If your remote work agreement is terminated for reasons other than performance, the agency would be responsible for any costs associated with relocation to your official worksite.
Unfortunately, the agency removed MS 633 due to the White House’s Executive Order: Return to In-Person Work without consulting our Union, so we recommend reviewing your remote work agreement for specifics.
As of January 31, the agency has only confirmed that they will conduct a review of all remote positions to determine an implementation plan and timeline to meet the requirements of the RTO memorandum, including exemptions granted by the agency head. The Union has the right to review and negotiate policy updates and will likely take full advantage of that right once they propose an updated policy.

4. Will employees with disabilities be required to report to work in-person?
Employees with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to be exempt from in-person work requirements, but there is no guarantee the agency will approve it. Please contact the agency's reasonable accommodation contact for more information.

5. Does the Union recommend accepting the Deferred Resignation offer?
No, we do not recommend accepting the offer at this time. Neither OPM nor Peace Corps have the legal authority to offer 8 months of pay if an employee resigns by the February 6 deadline. Please review AFSCME’s handout on the Deferred Resignation Program for further guidance.
 
6. What are my rights as a probationary employee?
Our CBA’s Article 18 outlines your rights as a probationary employee. Probationary or trial periods last 1 year. When a supervisor determines that an employee’s performance is unsatisfactory, the supervisor will issue a termination notice at least fifteen 15 days in advance of the proposed date of termination stating the reasons therefor. The employee cannot be fired arbitrarily but must be for the reasons described. A termination notice cannot be given during the first 30 days of a trial period. You have the right to review the decision with management, presenting reasons why the termination should not be effected, and be accompanied by a Union representative. Please review Article 18 for a complete understanding of your rights.

7. Can I request Union representation if my supervisor schedules a meeting that may lead to disciplinary action or my termination?
Yes, our Weingarten Rights provide us the right to Union representation if a discussion with management could any way lead to disciplinary action or termination. Without Union representation, you may decline to answer any questions.
 
Please reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected] if you have additional questions. We also recommend downloading your eOPF using the provided instructions and saving at least the last several months of your Earning and Leave Statements. And as a friendly reminder, do not use agency channels for personal correspondence or speculation on new policies. 

Become A Member This January

A New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep.  Join the union as a dues paying member.  Paying dues is crucial to maintaining a strong, effective union that fights for workers’ rights. If you believe in making Peace Corps and the federal government a better place to work, please consider joining us by completing the SF-1187 form and emailing it to [email protected].  Your dues pay for a wide range of resources, staff, services and supplies that all exist for one reason: to help members improve their pay, benefits and working conditions. - AFSCME

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Spotlight

What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)?  A CBA is a legally enforceable contract between an employer and a union, defining conditions for work, benefits, and dispute resolution.   This snippet below is from the Peace Corps Employees Union’s current CBA and highlights how the CBA may support you.  Article 15 - Performance Appraisals.

HEY! We need you!
Did you know that the Peace Corps Employees Union has 320 employees in the Bargaining Unit as of October 2024? This means that 320 employees are eligible to pay dues, totaling 0.65% of their biweekly gross pay. However, only 47 employees contribute each pay period. Paying dues is crucial to maintaining a strong, effective union that fights for workers’ rights. If you believe in making Peace Corps and the federal government a better place to work, please consider joining us by completing the SF-1187 form and emailing it to [email protected]. 

If you would like to do more than pay dues, volunteering with us is your chance to create change at Peace Corps and grow professionally. We have several opportunities available, including Union Steward, Executive Board Member, Membership Coordinator, Website Designer, Newsletter Editor, and others. Feel free to email us if you have any interest in helping. You can also drop in for Thursday Office Hours or our Biweekly Wednesday Meetings to learn more.

​Opportunities at the Union
Are you interested in volunteering with us? You can find opportunities such as a steward, negotiator, membership coordinator, website designer, newsletter editor, and more on the Union website. If you are a dues-paying member who would like to learn more about a position, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]. You are also welcome to join us virtually for our biweekly lunch meetings on Wednesday or weekly office hours on Thursday. Any help is appreciated, even dedicating 1-2 hours a month to Union work could make a huge difference at Peace Corps.

Countdown Until Election Day
The Presidential Election is on Tuesday, November 5, and the Union encourages you to exercise your right to vote! Visit Vote411.org to register to vote or check your registration status. In addition to Vote411, the League of Women Voter offers a First-Time Voter Checklist to ensure a smooth voting experience, and How to Vote in College: Know Your Rights is a must-read voter guide for students. We also recommended that you learn about early voting options, locate a preferred polling place, confirm if your state requires an ID, and research candidates and issues.
 
Reminder: Peace Corps policy allows employees to request leave to vote with certain exceptions. Please read the handout on leave and voting to see if you are eligible for an excused absence on Election Day.

Dues-Paying Member
Want to become a dues-paying Union member?
Join us

Thank you to everyone who participated in Union Week! Our volunteer day was a success. Because of these members below, we were able to provide laundry kits to the unhoused and deliver greeting cards to hospitalized children.

If you would still like to volunteer for Every Home DC or Cards for Hospitalized Kids, please visit their respective websites for more information.

Union Week: Volunteer Day

We will be hosting 1 in-person and 2 virtual activities from 12:00-2:00 PM EST on Friday, September 6 for Union Week. Please see activity details below.
 
If you plan to attend, please complete the Volunteer Activity Approval Form, and provide it to your supervisor for their signature. Please read the FAQs on PC's Employee Volunteer Program for more information.
 
In-Person Activity: Laundry Kits for the Unhoused
Location: Peace Corps Cafe
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM EST
Contacts: Sylvia Cabus, Josephine Mcgugan
 
Looking for a way to do good while socializing?  Join us in the Peace Corps Cafe where we will be assembling laundry kits for Shirley’s Place, a welcome center for unhoused individuals and families in Washington DC. Shirley’s Place is one of the many programs managed by Everyone Home DC, a community organization dedicated to serving the unhoused community with dignity. All inquiries regarding this activity should be directed to Sylvia Cabus and/or Josephine Mcgugan.
 
Virtual Activity: Meditation/Stretching
Location:​ Zoom
Time: 12:00-12:30 PM EST
Contact: Julee Muro de Gerome
 
Burnt out after a long work week? Join us for a relaxing meditation and stretching session! Julee Muro de Gerome will be leading this activity.
 
Virtual Activity: Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Location: Zoom
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Contact: Wyland Chapman
 
CFHK is a non-profit organization that distributes general and holiday cards to Children's Hospitals. Join us for the opportunity to create and mail your own card for a hospitalized child. Please review CFHK's Steps for Making General Cards before attending this activity.  Important guidelines include not writing your personal information, addressing anyone by name, and using "Get well" language. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Wyland Chapman.