Preparation for upcoming negotiations of the new Master Agreement (MA) was kicked off in Denver, April 20-24, 2009. The union and management teams became acquainted, reviewed the interest-based negotiations process, developed ground rules, and made prework assignments.

The current MA between the Forest Service and the NFFE Forest Service Council expires on June 2, 2010. Management has indicated that they wish to re-negotiate a large number of articles. Defending and seeking to improve the gains that we’ve made over the years through negotiations is the most fundamentally important work that your Council does. Many rights that employees take for granted are based on the MA. Many more rights have real meaning because the MA provides a mechanism for enforcement. Our MA is the foundation upon which everything our union does is built. Negotiations will begin July 26 - August 8, 2009 in Denver.

NFFE Forest Service Council Negotiations Team: Lonnie Lewis, Steve Flory, Eric Plimmer, Chris Feutrier, Dave Stamey, Karen Mora, Melissa Baumann, Mark Davis, Betsy Evans, Ron Thatcher (Chair).

We have assembled a strong negotiations team. Team members are Forest Service employees just like you who have stepped up to serve their fellow employees through participation in our union. They will be spending long weeks away from their families to fight for the rights of all of us in the workplace. To a man and to a woman, they are happy and proud to do so. Please join me in thanking them for their service. Even better, ask an officer at your Local how you can help make your union stronger and more effective.

In solidarity,

Ron Thatcher,

President, NFFE Forest Service Council
Chair, NFFE-FSC Master Agreement Negotiations Team

Articles being opened for negotiations:

Article 1 – Recognition and Unit Recognition
Article 2 – Implementation of Agreement
Article 3 – Definitions
Article 4 – Employee Rights
Article 5 – Union Rights
Article 6 – Management Rights
Article 7 – Union Use of Facilities
Article 8 – Collaborative Labor Management Relations and Partnership
Article 9 – Grievances
Article 10 – Arbitration
Article 11 – Negotiations
Article 12 – Prenotification of ULP
Article 13 – OrientationArticle 14 – Position Description and Classification
Article 15 – Performance Management System
Article 16 – Promotion and Details
Article 17 – Awards
Article 18 – Work Schedules
Article 19 – Pay and Per Diem
Article 20 – Leave
Article 21 – Actions Based on Unacceptable Performance
Article 22 – Discipline
Article 23 – Permanent Seasonal Employment
Article 24 – Temporary/Term Employees
Article 25 – Equal Employment Opportunity
Article 27 – Safety and Health
Article 28 – Fire and Other Incidents
Article 29 – Quarters
Article 30 – Training
Article 31 – Changes to Organization
Article 38 – Contracting Work Out
Article 39 – Union Dues
Article 41 – Job Corps
Article 42 – Personal Hardship
Appendix A – Descriptions of Units
Appendix B – Union Dues
Appendix D – RIF Competitive Areas

Other topics being negotiated:

Employee Rights in Investigations
Law Enforcement and Investigations
Drug Testing
Office Space
Positive Work Environment
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Detached/Hosted Employees
Wellness

Existing National Agreements will be reviewed and incorporated into the Master Agreement as appropriate.