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.

Mid-Year Appraisal Reminder
 
With mid-year performance appraisals on everyone’s mind, the Union reminds bargaining-unit employees (BUEs) that you are empowered to discuss performance appraisal, salary, and award information with your Peace Corps colleagues. It is important to note that federal employees’ salary information is already available to the public.
 
If you have any questions or concerns on discussing wages, please submit our website’s Contact Form for a consultation with a Union steward.
 

Countdown Until Election Day

As the Presidential Election approaches, the Union encourages you to exercise your right to vote, and that starts with registration! 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 attached handout on leave and voting to see if you are eligible for an excused absence on Election Day.


 ​

How has the Union helped you?

Our Union is refreshing its New Employee Orientation (NEO) presentation, and we are seeking testimonials that highlight the support we have provided to bargaining unit employees (BUEs). The goal is to move from sharing abstract and distant Union “wins”—like the 40-hour work week—to concrete and recent ones. Testimonials can be anonymous, but the more specific, the better.
 
Example testimonial: “I submitted all the paperwork to get my Peace Corps service buyback processed, but it was taking a long time, and I couldn’t find the right person to reach out to about it. The Union was able to act as the squeaky wheel and expedite that process, so I was finally able to get credit for my service.”
 
Please share a 2-3 sentence testimonial by July 31, either to [email protected] or anonymously through our website’s Contact Form.

Mid-Year Performance Appraisals
Nothing in your mid-year performance appraisal should come as a surprise – per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 15:

• Performance problems and/or substantial failures by the employee to meet any performance standard will be brought to the employee's attention as soon as they occur or are noticed.

 
Please note that your mid-year appraisal should not come with a number score in the new performance management system; it is intended to be more of a conversation between you and your supervisor. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appraisal, feel free to contact the Union confidentially through our website or join our weekly office hours on Thursday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST.