IFPTE Local 777

I wanted to let everyone know that the union’s negotiating team reached a tentative agreement on the “return to office” process with management today.

Read the text of the tentative agreement on “return to office”:  Click Here

Read the text of the agreement that would “lock in” our current compressed work schedules: Click Here

We are holding a ratification vote between this evening and 11:20 am CDT tomorrow. Only dues-paying members (or those who join by 9am CDT) will be sent a ballot. This voting window is so small because it meant that in exchange, we were able to get a 31-day delay in implementation of the return to the office.

That said, The Local 777 bargaining team recommends approval because:

• The agreement locks in a certain date, allowing for folks to plan.
• The agreement keeps reasonable accommodations decided at the lowest level.
• The agreement establishes a right for both remote workers and long-distance-commuting teleworkers to request to work from a closer office; and failing that, protects the right to negotiate favorable PCS terms for remote workers and streamlines retention incentives for folks who don’t move.
• The agreement locks in transit and childcare agreements – only Congress blocking them by law could take it away. To our knowledge, this is a first in the Army.
• Given the threats from the administration to end the downtown office lease and the fact that telework is a topic for which only “procedures” and “arrangements” may be negotiated; we feel this is the best outcome we can get while we fight a larger battle to win back regular and recurring telework.

A “no” vote would send the bargaining team back to the table; where the issue could proceed to an impasse that would need to be resolved by the Federal Impasse Services Panel (FSIP) which would look at management’s and the union’s positions and hand down a binding decision; which could entirely favor either side.