[ v08 p578 ]
08:0578(110)CA
The decision of the Authority follows:
8 FLRA No. 110 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AUSTIN DISTRICT Respondent and Case Nos. 6-CA-636 6-CA-755 NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION AND NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52 Charging Party UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DALLAS DISTRICT Respondent and Case No. 6-CA-644 NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION AND NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 46 Charging Party UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, SOUTHWESTERN REGION Respondent and Case No. 6-CA-746 NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION AND NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91 Charging Party DECISION AND ORDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE ISSUED THE ATTACHED DECISION IN THE ABOVE-ENTITLED PROCEEDING FINDING THAT THE RESPONDENT HAD ENGAGED IN THE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES ALLEGED IN THE COMPLAINT, AND RECOMMENDING THAT IT CEASE AND DESIST THEREFROM AND TAKE CERTAIN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. THEREAFTER, THE RESPONDENT FILED EXCEPTIONS TO THE JUDGE'S DECISION AND THE GENERAL COUNSEL FILED AN OPPOSITION TO THE RESPONDENT'S EXCEPTIONS. PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS (5 CFR 2423.29) AND SECTION 7118 OF THE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STATUTE (THE STATUTE), THE AUTHORITY HAS REVIEWED THE RULINGS OF THE JUDGE MADE AT THE HEARING AND FINDS THAT NO PREJUDICIAL ERROR WAS COMMITTED. THE RULINGS ARE HEREBY AFFIRMED. /1/ UPON CONSIDERATION OF THE JUDGE'S DECISION AND THE ENTIRE RECORD, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ADOPTS THE JUDGE'S FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. /2/ ORDER PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT: IN CASE NOS. 6-CA-636 AND 6-CA-755, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AUSTIN DISTRICT SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, ANTONIO OVALLE, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE OFFICIAL TIME WHILE THEY WERE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN MARCH 13, 1980 AND JULY 23, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THEY WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX A" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AND SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF REGION VI, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER, AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. IN CASE NO. 6-CA-644, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DALLAS DISTRICT SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 46, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERRING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL OFFICIAL TIME WHILE SHE WAS ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 46, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN DECEMBER 18, 1979 AND DECEMBER 11, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN SHE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE HER WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER, PAY TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX B" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED B Y THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF REGION VI, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER, AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. IN CASE NO. 6-CA-746, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, SOUTHWESTERN REGION SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO CHESTER O. STEWART, WILLIAM J. BAUER, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER OFFICIAL TIME WHILE THEY WERE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN APRIL 24, 1980 AND MAY 16, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THEY WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX C" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AND SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF REGION VI, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER, AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. ISSUED, WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 13, 1982 RONALD W. HAUGHTON, CHAIRMAN HENRY B. FRAZIER III, MEMBER LEON B. APPLEWHAITE, MEMBER FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY APPENDIX A PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, ANTONIO OVALLE, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN, OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE, OFFICIAL TIME WHILE THEY WERE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN MARCH 13, 1980 AND JULY 23, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: (SIGNATURE) (TITLE) THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION VI, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, ROOM 450, P. O. BOX 2640, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4996 APPENDIX B PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 46, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN, OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL OFFICIAL TIME WHILE SHE WAS ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 46, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN DECEMBER 18, 1979 AND DECEMBER 11, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING HER REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN SHE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE HER WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: (SIGNATURE) (TITLE) THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION VI, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, ROOM 450, P. O. BOX 2640, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4996 APPENDIX C PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO CHESTER O. STEWART, WILLIAM J. BAUER, OR ANY OTHER BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN, OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER OFFICIAL TIME WHILE THEY WERE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN APRIL 24, 1980 AND MAY 16, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: (SIGNATURE) (TITLE) THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION VI, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, ROOM 450, P. O. BOX 2640, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4996. -------------------- ALJ$ DECISION FOLLOWS -------------------- GARY A. ANDERSON, ESQUIRE WILLIAM P. LEHMAN, ESQUIRE FOR THE RESPONDENT SUSAN E. JELEN, ESQUIRE ELIZABETH A. MARTINEZ, ESQUIRE FOR THE GENERAL COUNSEL B. CRAIG DEATS, ESQUIRE FOR THE CHARGING PARTY BEFORE: GARVIN LEE OLIVER ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISION STATEMENT OF THE CASE THIS CASE AROSE PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STATUTE, 5 U.S.C. 7101 ET SEQ., (THE STATUTE), AS A RESULT OF CONSOLIDATED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE COMPLAINT FILED BY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SIXTH REGION, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, DALLAS, TEXAS, AGAINST THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AUSTIN DISTRICT, DALLAS DISTRICT, AND SOUTHWEST REGION (HEREINAFTER JOINTLY REFERRED TO AS RESPONDENT OR SEPARATELY AS IRS, AUSTIN DISTRICT, IRS, DALLAS DISTRICT, AND IRS, SOUTHWEST REGION). THE COMPLAINT ALLEGED, IN SUBSTANCE, THAT RESPONDENT VIOLATED SECTIONS 7116(A)(1) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE BY REFUSING TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 7131(A) IN REFUSING TO PROVIDE, VARIOUSLY, OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR AGENCY EMPLOYEES REPRESENTING THE UNION AT NEGOTIATIONS. RESPONDENT ADMITS JURISDICTION, BUT DENIES ANY VIOLATION OF THE STATUTE. A HEARING WAS HELD IN THIS MATTER IN DALLAS, TEXAS. BASED ON THE ENTIRE RECORD HEREIN, INCLUDING MY OBSERVATION OF THE WITNESSES AND THEIR DEMEANOR, THE EXHIBITS, STIPULATIONS, AND OTHER RELEVANT EVIDENCE ADDUCED AT THE HEARING, AND THE BRIEFS, I MAKE THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND RECOMMENDATIONS. FINDINGS OF FACT BACKGROUND 1. AT ALL TIMES MATERIAL HEREIN, RESPONDENT, JOINTLY AND SEPARATELY, IS, AND HAS BEEN, AN AGENCY WITHIN THE MEANING OF 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(3). 2. AT ALL TIMES MATERIAL HEREIN, RESPONDENT HAS RECOGNIZED THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, A LABOR ORGANIZATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(4), AS THE EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN APPROPRIATE UNIT OF RESPONDENT'S EMPLOYEES. IRS AND THE UNION HAVE BEEN PARTIES TO A MULTI-DISTRICT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT COVERING EMPLOYEES IN THE APPROPRIATE UNIT. AT ALL TIMES MATERIAL HEREIN, NTEU CHAPTER 46, 52, AND 91 HAVE BEEN THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNION AT THE DALLAS DISTRICT, AUSTIN DISTRICT, AND SOUTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE, RESPECTIVELY, OF RESPONDENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT. CASE NO. 6-CA-636 3. ON MARCH 13, 14, 17, AND 18, 1980, THE IRS, AUSTIN DISTRICT AND NTEU CHAPTER 52 ENGAGED IN MID-TERM NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF THE NORTHWEST SATELLITE OFFICE. UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN AGEE AND ARLIE SMITH, EMPLOYEES AS DEFINED IN 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(2)(A), WERE ENGAGED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS. RESPONDENT HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE JOHN AGEE AND ARLIE SMITH FOR OFFICAL TIME FOR TRAVEL AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES INCURRED IN REGARD TO THESE NEGOTIATIONS. CASE NO. 6-CA-644 4. BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 18, 1979, AND CONCLUDING ON DECEMBER 11, 1980, IRS, DALLAS DISTRICT AND THE UNION ENGAGED IN IMPACT AND IMPLEMENTATION BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING THE INSTALLATION OF A COLLINS ACD V. TELEPHONE SYSTEM. UNION REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL, AN EMPLOYEE AS DEFINED IN 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(2)(A), WAS ENGAGED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS. RESPONDENT HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL FOR PER DIEM AND TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED IN REGARD TO THESE NEGOTIATIONS. CASE NO. 6-CA-746 5. ON APRIL 24 AND 25, 1980 AND MAY 15 AND 16, 1980, IRS, SOUTHWEST REGION AND NTEU CHAPTER 91 ENGAGED IN MID-TERM NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING SUPERVISORY EVALUATION FORM 211 IN REFERENCE TO THE HANDLING OF APPEALS CASES. UNION REPRESENTATIVES CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER, EMPLOYEES AS DEFINED IN 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(2)(A), WERE ENGAGED IN SOME OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS. RESPONDENT HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER FOR OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL AND PER DIEM AND TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED IN REGARD TO SUCH NEGOTIATIONS. CASE NO. 6-CA-755 6. THE IRS, AUSTIN DISTRICT AND NTEU CHAPTER 52 ENGAGED IN NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING THE IMPACT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RELOCATION OF THE CENTRALIZED SERVICE BRANCH, IRS FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS TO AUSTIN, TEXAS ON JUNE 3, 1980. IN ADDITION, THE SAME PARTIES ENGAGED IN NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF SIX IRS REVENUE AGENT GROUPS AND ONE IRS REVENUE OFFICER GROUP FROM THE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON IRS OFFICE TO THE HOUSTON NORTHWEST SATELLITE IRS OFFICE ON JULY 23, 1980. UNION REPRESENTATIVES ANTONIO OVALLE AND ARLIE SMITH, EMPLOYEES AS DEFINED IN 5 U.S.C. 7103(A)(2)(A), WERE ENGAGED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON JULY 23, 1980 AND ARLIE SMITH WAS ALSO ENGAGED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON JUNE 3, 1980. RESPONDENT HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ANTONIO OVALLE AND ARLIE SMITH OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL AND PER DIEM AND TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED IN REGARD TO THESE NEGOTIATIONS. GENERAL 7. RESPONDENT, THROUGH ITS AGENT ROBERT M. MCKEEVER, BY LETTER DATED JULY 11, 1980 NOTIFIED THE UNION THAT "(T)HE NTEU WAS FORMALLY NOTIFIED ON FEBRUARY 11, 1980 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE'S INTENT TO DENY PAYMENT OF TRAVEL AND PER DIEM FOR UNION OFFICIALS PARTICIPATING IN NEGOTIATIONS." 8. THE UNION REIMBURSED THE ABOVE-NAMED EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR TRAVEL EXPENSES, AFTER RESPONDENT REFUSED TO DO SO, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE EMPLOYEES WOULD RETURN THIS MONEY TO THE UNION IF AND WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS REQUIRED TO PAY THE EMPLOYEES AFTER THESE PROCEEDINGS. DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS THE ISSUE PRESENTED FOR DETERMINATION IS WHETHER RESPONDENT VIOLATED 5 U.S.C. 7131(A), THUS COMMITTING UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES IN VIOLATION OF 5 U.S.C. 7116(A)(1) AND (8), BY REFUSING TO PAY TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES, AND BY REFUSING OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL, FOR AGENCY EMPLOYEES REPRESENTING THE UNION AT MID-TERM NEGOTIATIONS. THE AUTHORITY IN ITS INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, 2 FLRA NO. 31(1979) CONCLUDED THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) ENCOMPASS ALL NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE AND AN AGENCY OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, INCLUDING MID-TERM NEGOTIATIONS AS WELL AS THE NEGOTIATION OR RENEGOTIATION OF A BASIC COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT. THE AUTHORITY ALSO HELD THAT "WHILE AN EMPLOYEE IS ON OFFICIAL TIME REPRESENTING AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, THAT EMPLOYEE IS ON PAID TIME ENTITLED TO HIS OR HER USUAL COMPENSATION AND IS NOT IN LEAVE STATUS." THE AUTHORITY EXPRESSLY FOUND THAT AN EMPLOYEE SO ENGAGED "IS CLEARLY ENGAGED ON 'OFFICIAL BUSINESS FOR THE GOVERNMENT.'" THE AUTHORITY CONCLUDED THAT "ANY EMPLOYEE WHO IS ON OFFICIAL TIME UNDER SECTION 7131 OF THE STATUTE WHILE REPRESENTING AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT IS ENTITLED TO PAYMENTS FROM AGENCIES FOR THEIR DUTY TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSE." RESPONDENT CONTENDS THAT THE INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE CONTAINED IN 2 FLRA NO. 31 HAS NO SUPPORT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978, ITS LEGISLATIVE HISTORY, AND IS CONTRARY TO LONG ESTABLISHED PAST PRACTICES AND PRECEDENTS; THAT RESPONDENT IS WITHOUT LEGAL AUTHORITY TO EXPEND APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF EMPLOYEE-UNION NEGOTIATORS TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES; THAT OFFICIAL TIME DOES NOT COVER TRAVEL TO AND FROM BARGAINING SESSIONS; THAT, ALTHOUGH REQUESTS HAVE BEEN MADE AND DENIED, ACTUAL TRAVEL VOUCHERS HAVE NOT BEEN SUBMITTED BY ALL THE EMPLOYEES IN QUESTION; AND THAT WHERE AN EMPLOYEE HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID BY THE UNION FOR TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES, SUCH EMPLOYEE HAS NOT INCURRED SUCH EXPENSES FOR PURPOSES OF REIMBURSEMENT. MOST OF THE RESPONDENT'S ARGUMENTS ARE WITHOUT MERIT IN THIS FORUM FOR THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE AUTHORITY IN ITS INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, SUPRA, AND MORE RECENTLY EXPRESSED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, AND ADOPTED BY THE AUTHORITY, IN BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, WESTERN REGION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA AND NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 81, 4 FLRA NO. 40(1980). RESPONDENTS' REMAINING CONTENTION, THAT THE AGENCY EMPLOYEES REPRESENTING THE UNION DID NOT INCUR EXPENSES SO AS TO JUSTIFY REIMBURSEMENT, IS EQUALLY WITHOUT MERIT. THIS ARGUMENT IS GROUNDED ON THE STIPULATION BY THE UNION THAT IT REIMBURSED THE EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR TRAVEL EXPENSES, AFTER RESPONDENT REFUSED TO DO SO, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE EMPLOYEES WOULD RETURN THE MONEY TO THE UNION IF AND WHEN RESPONDENT PAID THEM FOR THEIR EXPENSES. THIS PROCEDURE WILL NOT RESULT IN THE "DOUBLE REIMBURSEMENT" FEARED BY RESPONDENT. THE UNION IS, IN EFFECT, MERELY LOANING OR ADVANCING THE EMPLOYEES FUNDS TO COVER THEIR EXPENSES UNTIL THE EMPLOYEES ARE PROPERLY REIMBURSED FOR SUCH EXPENSES BY RESPONDENT. THE FACT THAT THE UNION UNDERTOOK TO ACCOMMODATE THE EMPLOYEES IN THIS MANNER IS IRRELEVANT TO RESPONDENT'S OBLIGATION. INDEED, THE AUTHORITY NOTED IN ITS INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, SUPRA, THAT THE REQUIREMENT THAT AGENCIES PAY TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES WOULD MORE NEARLY EQUATE THE STATUS OF UNION AND MANAGEMENT NEGOTIATORS AS CONTEMPLATED BY CONGRESS, FACILITATE MORE EFFECTIVE UNION REPRESENTATION AT THE BARGAINING TABLE, AND THEREBY IMPLEMENT THE PURPOSE OF THE STATUTE, TO ENCOURAGE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN THE FEDERAL SECTOR. ACCORDINGLY, I CONCLUDE THAT BY ITS FAILURE AND REFUSAL TO PROVIDE THE ABOVE NAMED UNION REPRESENTATIVES WITH OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS AND WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES THEY MAY HAVE BEEN ENTITLED TO WERE THEY CONSIDERED TO BE ON OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WHILE PERFORMING THE UNION REPRESENTATIONAL DUTIES, RESPONDENT FAILED AND REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 7131(A) OF THE STATUTE AND THEREBY VIOLATED SECTIONS 7116(A)(1) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE. BASED ON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS, I RECOMMEND THAT THE AUTHORITY ISSUE THE FOLLOWING: ORDER (CASE NO. 6-CA-636 AND 6-CA-755) PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, AUSTIN DISTRICT SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, ANTONIO OVALLE, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE, OFFICIAL TIME WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, DURING THE PERIOD MARCH 13, 1980 TO JULY 23, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX A" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AND SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. ORDER (CASE NO. 6-CA-644) PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DALLAS DISTRICT SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL OFFICIAL TIME WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 18, 1979 TO DECEMBER 11, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE HER WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER, PAY TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX B" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AND SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. ORDER (CASE NO. 6-CA-746) PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, SOUTHWEST REGION SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE TO CHESTER O. STEWART, WILLIAM J. BAUER, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. (B) IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERING WITH, RESTRAINING, OR COERCING EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. 2. TAKE THE FOLLOWING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER OFFICIAL TIME WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, DURING THE PERIOD APRIL 24, 1980 TO MAY 16, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ITS FACILITIES WHEREIN UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX C" ON FORMS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE AUTHORITY. UPON RECEIPT OF SUCH FORMS, THEY SHALL BE SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AND SHALL BE POSTED AND MAINTAINED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL BULLETIN BOARDS AND OTHER PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN TO INSURE THAT SUCH NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. (C) NOTIFY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY IN WRITING, WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER AS TO WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COMPLY HEREWITH. GARVIN LEE OLIVER ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DATED: MARCH 16, 1981 WASHINGTON, D.C. APPENDIX A PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, ANTONIO OVALLE, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE, OFFICIAL TIME WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 52, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT DURING THE PERIOD MARCH 13, 1980 TO JULY 23, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO JOHN AGEE, ARLIE SMITH, AND ANTONIO OVALLE WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: (SIGNATURE) THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION 6, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 450, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4996. APPENDIX B PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN, OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE VAN RIDDELL OFFICIAL TIME WHILE SHE WAS ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 18, 1979 TO DECEMBER 11, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING HER REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN SHE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE HER WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER, PAY TO LOUISE VAN RIDDELL WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: (SIGNATURE) THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION 6, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 450, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4997. APPENDIX C PURSUANT TO A DECISION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE POLICIES OF CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE FEDERAL SERVICE LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WE HEREBY NOTIFY OUR EMPLOYEES THAT: WE WILL NOT FAIL OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE TO CHESTER O. STEWART, WILLIAM J. BAUER, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURS DURING THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS. IN ADDITION, NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION AND PER DIEM EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYING ACTIVITY OR AGENCY. WE WILL NOT IN ANY LIKE OR RELATED MANNER, INTERFERE WITH, RESTRAIN, OR COERCE OUR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR RIGHTS ASSURED BY THE STATUTE. WE WILL PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVES CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER OFFICIAL TIME WHILE ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION, CHAPTER 91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, DURING THE PERIOD APRIL 24, 1980 TO MAY 16, 1980, INCLUDING NECESSARY TRAVEL TIME AS OCCURRED DURING THE EMPLOYEES' REGULAR WORK HOURS AND WHEN THE EMPLOYEES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A WORK OR PAID LEAVE STATUS, AND MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR ANY ANNUAL LEAVE UTILIZED, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS, PAY TO CHESTER O. STEWART AND WILLIAM J. BAUER WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (AGENCY OR ACTIVITY) DATED: BY: THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. IF EMPLOYEES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS, THEY MAY COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, REGION 6, BRYAN AND ERVAY STREET, OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 450, DALLAS, TEXAS 75221, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (214) 767-4996. --------------- FOOTNOTES: --------------- /1/ THE RESPONDENT CONTENDS THAT THE JUDGE ERRED IN EXCLUDING EVIDENCE TO THE EFFECT THAT TWO OF THE EMPLOYEES CLAIMING TRAVEL EXPENSES AND PER DIEM DID NOT SUBMIT VALID EXPENSE VOUCHERS IN SUPPORT THEREOF. HOWEVER, NO FACTUAL ISSUE EXISTS AS TO THIS MATTER INASMUCH AS THE RECORD ESTABLISHES THAT ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES INVOLVED SOUGHT TRAVEL EXPENSES AND PER DIEM AND WERE INFORMED BY THE RESPONDENT THAT THEIR REQUESTS WERE DENIED. FURTHER, THE GENERAL COUNSEL CONCEDED ON THE RECORD THAT TWO OF THE EMPLOYEES DID NOT SUBMIT VOUCHERS AFTER BEING ADVISED THAT SUCH VOUCHERS WOULD NOT BE HONORED. IN ANY EVENT, IT IS NOTED IN THIS REGARD THAT THE JUDGE'S RECOMMENDED ORDER, ADOPTED HEREIN, REQUIRES THE RESPONDENT TO PAY WHATEVER TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES MAY BE INVOLVED, BUT ONLY UPON SUBMISSION OF APPROPRIATE VOUCHERS. THUS THE MATTER IS PROPERLY ONE FOR COMPLIANCE. /2/ IN AGREEMENT WITH THE JUDGE, AND BASED ON HIS REASONING, THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT THE CHARGING PARTY'S TEMPORARY REIMBURSEMENT OF THE EMPLOYEES FOR THE AMOUNT OF THEIR PER DIEM AND TRAVEL EXPENSES HAS NO BEARING ON THE RESPONDENT'S DUTY TO MAKE THEM WHOLE FOR THOSE AMOUNTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 7131(A) OF THE STATUTE AND THE AUTHORITY'S INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, 2 FLRA 265(1979). SEE ALSO BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, WESTERN REGION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 4 FLRA NO. 40(1980), ENFORCED, NOS. 80-7673, 81-7021(9TH CIR. MARCH 22, 1982).