ARTICLE 7 - Union Representation

SECTION 1. The Union will be represented by the NWSEO National President, the Branch Steward for AOC, and such other persons as may be designated by them.  The Union will provide to management a current roster of the AOC Branch Steward and Vice Steward and designees within 30 calendar days after final approval of this Agreement.  The Union will notify Management immediately of any changes when they occur.

SECTION 2.

A. As provided by 5 U.S.C. 7131:

(1) Any employee representing the Union in the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement (or other forms of bargaining described in the Agreement), shall be authorized official time for this purpose, including attendance at impasse proceedings during the time the employee otherwise would be in a duty status.  The number of employees for whom official time is authorized under this subparagraph shall not exceed the number of individuals designated as representing Management for such purposes.

(2) Union representatives shall be granted a reasonable amount of official time in which to perform their representation duties.  Union representatives may conduct internal Union business only when they are in a non-duty status.

(3) Except as provided in 5 U.S.C. 7131(b) & (c), any employee shall be granted a reasonable amount of official time in connection with any other matter covered by Title 5, Chapter 71, United States Code.

B. Use of official time will be requested in writing and scheduled in advance to obtain the written approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor.  If the use of official time involves a grievance against the employee’s supervisor, the request should be made to the employee’s second-level supervisor.  An official time request will normally be granted, absent workload or staffing needs.  If the employee’s use of official time would interfere with the performance of the employee’s official duties, Management will discuss the matter with the Union to find a satisfactory solution.

C. Employees using official time will account for such use in accordance with applicable timekeeping procedures.

D.  Incidental to the use of official time by the Steward or designee(s) under this article, reasonable use of agency telephone, mail, computer, copying, and communications equipment, and office facilities (hereinafter "office equipment and facilities") will be allowed, as long as such use does not interfere with the business of the office.

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