SECTION 1. Employees representing the Union and participating in negotiations pursuant to this Agreement shall be on official time for the number of hours agreed upon.

SECTION 2. It is agreed and understood that the negotiating teams may include Union officers and National Representatives who are not employees of the unit, and NOAA Personnel.

SECTION 3. This Agreement may be opened at any time for amendment provided that both parties mutually agree. Any request for amendment shall be in writing and must be accompanied by a summary of the amendment proposed. Within a reasonable time of receipt of such request, representatives of Management and the Union will meet to negotiate the matter. No changes other than those covered by the summary shall be considered. Agreement shall be evidenced by written amendment duly executed by both parties. No other type change to the Agreement shall be recognized.

SECTION 4. Amendment to this Agreement may be required because of changes in applicable laws, rules, regulations, or policies issued by higher authority after the effective date of this Agreement. In this event the parties will meet for the purposes of negotiating new language that will meet the requirements of such higher authority. Such amendments will be duly executed and will become effective on a date determined to be appropriate under the circumstances.

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