(March 13, 2023) The National Weather Service Employees Organization (NWSEO) seeks member input about local telework policies to strengthen our case at an upcoming Unfair Labor Practice trial in May.
What does the Unfair Labor Practice Complaint allege?
On March 26, 2022, NWSEO filed a complaint with the Federal Labor Relations Authority alleging that the Department of Commerce committed an unfair labor practice in violation of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute by failing to consult with NWSEO before radically altering the Department’s telework and remote work policies. For example, under earlier DOC policy, supervisors were encouraged to approve at least four days of telework per pay period. The new policy caps telework at four days per pay period unless a special variance is granted by higher agency officials. New restrictions were also placed on “remote work”.
On March 8, the General Counsel of the FLRA issued a formal Unfair Labor Practice Complaint alleging that Secretary Raimondo violated NWSEO’s right to be consulted before the Department changes personnel policies. A hearing before a Federal Administrative Law Judge has been scheduled for May 31, 2023.
What does NWSEO need from members?
NWSEO seeks information or evidence demonstrating that local managers, in discussion with their employees or local branch, have either referenced the new DOC telework/remote work policies issued last year, or have pressed to limit telework to four days per pay period, in accordance with those policies. We are also seeking information from any employee who may have been denied remote work since March 2022.
If your manager has enacted these policies, or you know of a branch wherein these policies have been implemented, let us know. Email NWSEOstrong@nwseo.org with details of your branch’s situation no later than Monday, March 24, 2023.
Read the full complaint here.