Peace Corps Employees Union AFSCME Local 3548
AFSCME Local 3548
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Union Communication Corner

Stay update and review past events, forms, and changes.

CBA Negotiations Update #5 from the Union

5/18/2023

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CBA Negotiations Updates

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CBA Working and Negotiation Dates
Why does this matter? While management has staff whose official duties encompass CBA negotiations, those of us representing the Union, do not. In an attempt to find workload balance, the Union asked Management to meet every other week for Negotiations, using the time in between to work on proposals and amendments to existing articles in the CBA.
What can you do? It’s a great time to join the Negotiations Team and help us balance the workload even more! We could use your support and expertise! The more representation we have, the better our representation of everyone’s needs will be. Here’s the quick survey to join the CBA Union Negotiations Team.
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Plain Language and the CBA
What’s plain language?  The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to write "clear government communication that the public can understand and use." And that includes CBAs.
Why does it matter?  One of our research sleuths discovered that plain language discourages the use of Latin abbreviations. So forget the “i.e’s” and “e.g.’s” and just say what you mean so future generations will not have to guess at your intent or misuse of these abbreviations! And out they went from our CBA. Want to learn more? Visit https://www.plainlanguage.gov/
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Union Benefit: Save 5-30% on Concerts and Events
What this means: It’s always a good idea to become familiar with your Employee Personal Page (EPP) to make sure the data is reflected accurately, Heading to New York with plans to see a show on Broadway? You can save up to 30% on tickets. Maybe you prefer sporting events? You can save 10% on tickets. Still not your thing? Save 20% on tickets to the Gazillion Bubble Show!! Find out more by heading to the Union Benefits Page.
We invite you to join the Peace Corps Union and learn about the benefits of becoming a member:
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CBA Negotiations Update #4 from the Union

5/11/2023

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Priority for Both Parties: Identities

Why does this matter? That’s probably a given, but it’s heartening to see both Management and the Union agreeing that employees should be identified by how they want to be identified.

What can you do? You can probably guess that this wasn’t a part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement back in the 80s. Want to ensure protections exist for all employees? Consider joining the CBA Union Negotiations Team!
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Demographics Info

What’s tracked?  It’s interesting to learn what can and cannot be shared with Union leaders. The Union is not privy to agency demographic data on race and ethnicity, gender, and age.

Why is this concerning?  It’s a matter of transparency and one we hope Peace Corps may consider offering again. “Again”, you ask? Not too long ago, we had a diversity dashboard to track Peace Corps’ success in recruiting Volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds. Staff shortages placed the dashboard project on hold.
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Your Employee Personal Page (EPP)
 
What this means: It’s always a good idea to become familiar with your Employee Personal Page (EPP) to make sure the data is reflected accurately, including information related to how you identify.
 
The impact: While you’re visiting your EPP, make sure dates and leave categories are accurately captured as well. This can impact your retirement and leave balances.
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Union Benefit: Save Up to 35% When You Rent a Car

If you need a car for your next trip (maybe something you have planned for the summer) your AFSCME (or Union) card, can save you money at six car rental companies.
We invite you to join the Peace Corps Union and learn about the benefits of becoming a member:
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CBA Negotiations Update

5/8/2023

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Revisited: Details for Union Representatives

Why does this matter? Management may need to detail an employee to a special assignment. If that employee is a union representative and is involved in an ongoing representational activity, then there are steps all parties need to comply with to ensure representation in the open case continues.

What does this mean for you? In our review of union rights, we’re making sure additional consideration is given to employees who take on added responsibilities as union representatives while ensuring employee representation continues as well.
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NEO: Union Presentation

What do you remember? We’re taking a closer look at the New Employee Orientation (NEO) and want to ask new employees what was your biggest takeaway from the Union presentation at NEO? Please send your responses to [email protected]
 
Why is this important: We thought this would be a good time to do a check-in with bargaining unit employees and their impression of the Union presentation at NEO.
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Resource Hub for Federal Laws: Cornell Law

How did this come up? Lots has changed since the late 80s when the CBA was last updated, including how we conduct research. To read federal laws that were once only available to legal counsel, simply type in the law reference number in a browser.

Results: Most “.gov” sites are solid sources, but so is Cornell Law, which is a legal repository for federal statutes.
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Union Member Benefit: 30% off Bouquets for Mother’s Day

AFSCME Perk: An online flower shop is offering discounts in time for Mother’s Day. A “Full of Love” bouquet that’s normally $45, is available for dues paying members for $31.50. Union membership has many perks and returns, please consider joining today!  
We invite you to join the Peace Corps Union and learn about the benefits of becoming a member:

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