[ v05 p365 ]
05:0365(49)CA
The decision of the Authority follows:
5 FLRA No. 49 FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD Respondent and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91 Charging Party Case No. 4-CA-300 DECISION AND ORDER THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO A STIPULATED RECORD FORWARDED BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE TO THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY FOR DECISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH A REQUEST FROM THE REGIONAL ATTORNEY, AGENT FOR THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR IN SECTION 2429.1(A) OF THE AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS (5 CFR 2429.1(A)). UPON CONSIDERATION OF THE ENTIRE RECORD IN THIS CASE, INCLUDING THE STIPULATION OF FACTS, ACCOMPANYING EXHIBITS, AND BRIEFS SUBMITTED BY THE PARTIES, THE AUTHORITY FINDS: THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, IS THE EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF A UNIT OF THE RESPONDENT'S EMPLOYEES. THE TERMS OF THE MOST RECENT THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, WHICH EXPIRED JANUARY 28, 1978, CONTINUE IN EFFECT PENDING AN AGREEMENT ON A NEW CONTRACT. THE EXPIRED CONTRACT CONTAINS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING THAT LIMITS OFFICIAL TIME FOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, INCLUDING TRAVEL TIME, TO 40 HOURS PER YEAR PER EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE. THE UNION REQUESTED ASSISTANCE FROM THE FEDERAL SERVICE IMPASSES PANEL (FSIP) AND FOLLOWING AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO REACH AN AGREEMENT, A NOTICE OF HEARING WAS ISSUED SCHEDULING A FACT FINDING HEARING FOR AUGUST 23, 1979. A PREHEARING CONFERENCE WAS HELD ON AUGUST 22 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 6:15 P.M. AND THE HEARING WAS HELD ON AUGUST 23 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. AT ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA. THE UNION WAS REPRESENTED BY, AMONG OTHERS, RONALD L. MEIER, PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL UNION AND EMPLOYEE OF RESPONDENT. HE ATTENDED BOTH DAYS. MEIER DROVE FROM JACKSONVILLE TO ST. AUGUSTINE EACH DAY, A DISTANCE OF 58 MILES. TRAVEL TIME WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS, EACH WAY. HIS REGULAR WORK DAY WAS FROM 6:30 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. ON JUNE 14, 1979, THE RESPONDENT HAD ISSUED AN INTRA-OFFICE MEMORANDUM STATING THAT UNDER THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT, UNLIMITED NEGOTIATION ON THE CLOCK, BUT NOT TRAVEL OR PREPARATION TIME, WOULD BE ALLOWED FOR UNION NEGOTIATORS. ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THE FSIP HEARING, AT A FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE (FMCS) MEDIATION SESSION, MEIER HAD ASKED THE RESPONDENT ABOUT OFFICIAL TIME FOR TRAVEL. COLONEL MCCORMICK, THE RESPONDENT'S CHIEF NEGOTIATOR AND TECHNICIAN PERSONNEL OFFICER, INFORMED MEIER THAT TRAVEL TIME WOULD BE DENIED, AND MEIER REPLIED THAT HE WOULD FILE AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE FSIP HEARING, MEIER WAS INFORMED BY HIS IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR THAT HE WOULD BE GIVEN EIGHT HOURS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR EACH DAY HE ATTENDED THE HEARING, NOT THE 12 AND 13 HOURS CLAIMED. HOWEVER, THE RESPONDENT ISSUED A "CORRECTIVE MEMO" GIVING MEIER ONLY SIX HOURS ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE (DETERMINED BY THE RESPONDENT TO BE THE ACTUAL NEGOTIATING TIME CORRESPONDING TO MEIER'S DUTY TIME) AND CHARGING HIM TWO HOURS ANNUAL LEAVE FOR EACH OF THE TWO DAYS OF HEARINGS. (THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE WAS GRANTED DESPITE THE ACKNOWLEDGED FACT THAT MEIER HAD EXCEEDED THE 40-HOUR PER ANNUM LIMITATION OF THE EXPIRED CONTRACT.) MEIER HAD ALSO REQUESTED MILEAGE AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR EACH DAY, WHICH THE RESPONDENT REFUSED. AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE WAS FILED BY THE UNION ALLEGING THAT THE RESPONDENT VIOLATED SECTIONS 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE BY FAILING AND REFUSING TO AUTHORIZE ADEQUATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) FOR THE UNION REPRESENTATIVE, PRESIDENT RONALD MEIER, REGARDING HIS ATTENDANCE AT FSIP HEARINGS ON AUGUST 11 AND 23, 1979. UPON AN INVESTIGATION, THE GENERAL COUNSEL ISSUED A COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE RESPONDENT HAD FAILED AND REFUSED TO GIVE MEIER ADEQUATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES. IN THIS REGARD, THE GENERAL COUNSEL ARGUED THAT MEIER WAS ENTITLED TO "TRAVEL TIME" TO THE LOCATION SITE OF THE HEARING BECAUSE THE TRAVEL TO THE FSIP PROCEEDING OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN HE WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN A DUTY STATUS, AND THAT HE WAS ENTITLED TO MILEAGE FOR THE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM FOR BOTH DAYS OF ATTENDANCE. IT IS CONTENDED BY THE GENERAL COUNSEL THAT THE REFUSAL TO PROVIDE SUCH TRAVEL TIME, MILEAGE AND PER DIEM CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8). AS NOTED ABOVE, THE MATTER IS BEFORE THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO A STIPULATION OF FACTS. SECTION 7131(A), INTER ALIA, REQUIRES THAT: ANY EMPLOYEE REPRESENTING AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT . . . SHALL BE AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL TIME FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE AT IMPASSE PROCEEDING, DURING THE TIME THE EMPLOYEE OTHERWISE WOULD BE IN A DUTY STATUS. THE RESPONDENT GRANTED OFFICIAL TIME FOR MEIER FOR THE PORTION OF HIS DUTY STATUS WHEN HE WAS ATTENDING IMPASSE PROCEEDINGS. AT ISSUE HEREIN IS THAT PORTION OF MEIER'S DUTY STATUS TIME SPENT TRAVELING FROM HIS RESIDENCE TO THE SITE OF THE IMPASSE PROCEEDING, THAT IS, "TRAVEL TIME" RELATED TO OFFICIAL TIME ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 7131(A). IN THE AUTHORITY'S VIEW, WHEN IT IS REQUIRED THAT AN EMPLOYEE TRAVEL TO PARTICIPATE IN OFFICIAL TIME ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 7131(A), DURING THE TIME THE EMPLOYEE OTHERWISE WOULD BE IN A DUTY STATUS, SUCH TRAVEL TIME IS PART OF THE OFFICIAL TIME. IN THIS REGARD, AS WAS CONCLUDED IN THE AUTHORITY'S INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE ON THE MEANING OF SECTION 7131(A), THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY RELATIVE TO THAT SECTION DEMONSTRATES AN INTENT BY CONGRESS THAT EMPLOYEES SERVING AS UNION REPRESENTATIVES BE ACCORDED PREROGATIVES SIMILAR TO THOSE ACCORDED TO MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NEGOTIATION OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, INCLUDING IMPASSE PROCEEDING. /1/ TURNING TO THE FACTS OF THE INSTANT CASE, MEIER WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HIS REGULAR DUTY STATUS FROM 6:30 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. ON AUGUST 22 AND 23 BUT FOR HIS ATTENDANCE THOSE DAYS AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER TOWN. DURING THE PERIOD OF HIS REGULAR DUTY STATUS, I.E., 6:30 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M., THE RECORD SHOWS THAT EACH DAY MEIER SPENT 1 1/2 HOURS TRAVELING TO THE HEARING AND 6 1/4 HOURS ACTUALLY AT THE HEARING. ACCORDINGLY, THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT MEIER SPENT 7 3/4 HOURS OF OFFICIAL TIME FOR EACH OF THE TWO DAYS. THE REFUSAL BY THE RESPONDENT TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL TIME IN THIS AMOUNT TO MEIER CONSTITUTES A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(8); A FAILURE TO COOPERATE IN IMPASSE PROCEDURES IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(6); AND INTERFERENCE WITH, RESTRAINT, AND COERCION OF AN EMPLOYEE IN THE EXERCISE OF RIGHTS UNDER THE STATUTE IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1). WITH RESPECT TO TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES, IN ITS INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE THE AUTHORITY NOTED THAT EMPLOYEES, WHILE NEGOTIATING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AS UNION REPRESENTATIVES, ARE CLEARLY ENGAGED ON "OFFICIAL BUSINESS FOR THE GOVERNMENT," AND CONCLUDED THAT SUCH EMPLOYEES ARE "ENTITLED TO PAYMENTS FROM AGENCIES FOR THEIR DUTY TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES." /2/ MEIER TRAVELED TO IMPASSE PROCEEDINGS, WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 7131(A) PROVISIONS, AND THEREFORE HE WAS ENTITLED TO APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES, AS MAY BE PROVIDED UNDER GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUCH, AS WITH THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL TIME, CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8). /3/ THE RESPONDENT CONTESTS THE JURISDICTION OF THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE, THROUGH AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE PROCEEDING, PAYMENT OF MONETARY ALLOWANCES BY AN AGENCY. HOWEVER, THE AUTHORITY IS EMPOWERED BY SECTION 7105(A)(2)(G) TO RESOLVE COMPLAINTS OF UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES, BY SECTION 7105(A)(2)(I) TO TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTIONS AS ARE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTIVELY ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATUTE, AND BY SECTION 7118(A)(7)(D) TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS WILL CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THE STATUTE. WHERE, AS HERE, AN AGENCY IS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTE, THERE IS NO BASIS FOR THE CONTENTION THAT THERE IS ANY LIMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE AUTHORITY BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT THE FAILURE AT ISSUE INVOLVES A PAYMENT OF MONETARY ALLOWANCES. MOREOVER, PURSUANT TO SECTION 7105(G)(3), THE AUTHORITY, IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS UNDER THE STATUTE: MAY REQUIRE AN AGENCY OR A LABOR ORGANIZATION TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER AND REQUIRE IT TO TAKE ANY REMEDIAL ACTION IT CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE TO CARRY OUT THE POLICIES OF THIS CHAPTER. AS TO THE RESPONDENT'S ARGUMENT THAT ENTITLEMENT TO PAY AND ALLOWANCES IS GOVERNED BY STATUTES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS, AND THE ARGUMENT THAT DISPUTES OVER ENTITLEMENT MUST BE EXHAUSTED THROUGH MILITARY PAY PROCESSES BEFORE AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE CAN BE CONSIDERED, THE ISSUES BEFORE THE AUTHORITY CONCERN THE NONCOMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTE. AS STATED ABOVE, SUCH ISSUES ARE SPECIFICALLY ASSIGNED TO THE AUTHORITY FOR DISPOSITION, NOTWITHSTANDING THAT THEY MAY INCLUDE ISSUES OF ENTITLEMENT TO PAY AND ALLOWANCES. BEYOND THE ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING LACK OF JURISDICTION, THE RESPONDENT CONTENDS THAT SUCH MONETARY ISSUES AS ARE PRESENT HEREIN ARE NONNEGOTIABLE "BUDGET" MATTERS UNDER SECTION 7106(A)(1). /4/ HOWEVER, AT ISSUE HERE IS NOT WHETHER MONETARY ISSUES ARE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF BARGAINING UNDER THE STATUTE, BUT WHETHER REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 7131(A) HAVE BEEN MET. IN THIS CONNECTION, AS STATED ABOVE, THE RESPONDENT HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS. FINALLY, RESPONDENT RAISES BY WAY OF DEFENSE THE ARGUMENT THAT THE 40-HOUR OFFICIAL TIME RESTRICTION FOR NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE EXISTING CONTRACT CONTROLS HEREIN UNDER THE SAVINGS PROVISION OF SECTION 7135(A) (1), /5/ AND IS BINDING UNTIL A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE CONTRACT IS CONCLUDED. THE AUTHORITY ALSO ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE IN ITS INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, SUPRA, AT PAGE 7, WHEREIN IT WAS NOTED THAT NOTHING IN THE STATUTE WOULD PRECLUDE THE PARTIES FROM CONTINUING THE TERMS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENT IN EXISTENCE ON JANUARY 11, 1979, THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE STATUTE. HOWEVER, IT WAS FURTHER STATED, (W)HERE A LABOR ORGANIZATION OR AN AGENCY OBJECTS TO THE CONTINUATION OR RENEWAL OF A PROVISION RELATING TO OFFICIAL TIME MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN SECTION 7131(A), SUCH OBJECTION PREVENTS THE CONTINUATION OR RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT PROVISION UNDER SECTION 7135(A)(1) OF THE STATUTE. IN THAT SITUATION, THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY OPERATIVE. IN AGREEMENT WITH THE GENERAL COUNSEL, THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT THE UNION INDICATED ITS OBJECTION TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE PROVISION IN THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WHEN MEIER INFORMED AGENCY OFFICIALS THAT AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE WOULD BE FILED AGAINST THE RESPONDENT CONTESTING THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF THE CONTRACTUAL LIMITATION. THE AUTHORITY FINDS ALSO THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME PROVISION OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7131(A). THEREFORE, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS CASE, AND CONSISTENT WITH THE INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE ON THIS SUBJECT, THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7131(A) OF THE STATUTE, RATHER THAN THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT, APPLY. ACCORDINGLY, IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, THE AUTHORITY CONCLUDES THAT THE RESPONDENT BY ITS FAILURE AND REFUSAL TO PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE RONALD MEIER WITH APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL TIME AND TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES WHILE ATTENDING THE FSIP HEARINGS ON AUGUST 22 AND 23, 1979, FAILED AND REFUSED TO COOPERATE IN IMPASSE PROCEDURES AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 7131 OF THE STATUTE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 7116(A)(1), (6) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE. ORDER PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.29 OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY AND SECTION 7118 OF THE STATUTE, THE AUTHORITY HEREBY ORDERS THAT FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, SHALL: 1. CEASE AND DESIST FROM: (A) FAILING AND REFUSING TO PROVIDE RONALD MEIER, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, OFFICIAL TIME AND APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR TIME ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR ATTENDANCE AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING, EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (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 ACTION IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND POLICIES OF THE STATUTE: (A) PROVIDE UNION REPRESENTATIVE RONALD MEIER OFFICIAL TIME OF 7 3/4 HOURS PER DAY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS REPRESENTATIONAL DUTIES ON AUGUST 22 AND 23, 1979, AND ADJUST THE ANNUAL LEAVE CHARGED TO HIM FOR BOTH DAYS ACCORDINGLY, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER, PAY TO RONALD MEIER APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. (B) POST AT ALL OF ITS OFFICES IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA WHERE UNIT EMPLOYEES ARE LOCATED, COPIES OF THE ATTACHED NOTICE MARKED "APPENDIX." COPIES OF SAID NOTICE, TO BE FURNISHED BY THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, AFTER BEING SIGNED BY THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, SHALL BE POSTED BY IT IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT THEREOF AND BE MAINTAINED BY IT FOR 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES, INCLUDING ALL PLACES WHERE NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES ARE CUSTOMARILY POSTED. REASONABLE STEPS SHALL BE TAKEN BY RESPONDENT TO INSURE THAT SAID NOTICES ARE NOT ALTERED, DEFACED, OR COVERED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL. APPENDIX NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES 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 RONALD MEIER, OR ANY AGENCY EMPLOYEE, OFFICIAL TIME AND APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES FOR TIME ENGAGED IN REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, LOCAL R5-91, THE EMPLOYEES' EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING UNION-AGENCY NEGOTIATIONS OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR ATTENDANCE AT AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING, EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS WOULD BE ENTITLED. 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 RONALD MEIER OFFICIAL TIME OF 7 3/4 HOURS PER DAY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS REPRESENTATIONAL DUTIES ON AUGUST 22 AND 23, 1979, AND ADJUST THE ANNUAL LEAVE CHARGED TO HIM FOR BOTH DAYS ACCORDINGLY, AND, UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPROPRIATE VOUCHER, PAY TO RONALD MEIER APPROPRIATE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM EXPENSES EQUAL TO WHAT AN EMPLOYEE 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, REGION 4, FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY, WHOSE ADDRESS IS: 1776 PEACHTREE STREET, N.W., SUITE 501, NORTH WING, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (404) 881-2324. (C) PURSUANT TO SECTION 2423.30 OF THE AUTHORITY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS, NOTIFY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, REGION 4, 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., MARCH 20, 1981 RONALD W. HAUGHTON, CHAIRMAN HENRY B. FRAZIER III, MEMBER LEON B. APPLEWHAITE, MEMBER FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY --------------- FOOTNOTES$ --------------- /1/ INTERPRETATION AND GUIDANCE, 2 FLRA NO. 31 (1979), AT PAGE 6, WHEREIN IT WAS NOTED, IN THIS CONNECTION, REPRESENTATIVE CLAY, IN DISCUSSING THE PROSCRIPTION OF OFFICIAL TIME FOR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN INTERNAL UNION BUSINESS UNDER SECTION 7132(B) OF THE HOUSE BILL (WHICH WAS ENACTED AS SECTION 7131(B) OF THE STATUTE) STATED AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 7132(B) OF THE UDALL COMPROMISE BARS THE USE OF OFFICIAL TIME FOR CONDUCTING THE INTERNAL BUSINESS OF A LABOR ORGANIZATION. . . ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE LABOR-MANAGEMENT CONTACTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION . . . TITLE VII IMPOSES HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES ON LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AND ON AGENCY MANAGEMENT. THESE ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE ALLOWED OFFICIAL TIME TO CARRY OUT THEIR STATUTORY REPRESENTATIONAL ACTIVITIES JUST AS MANAGEMENT USES OFFICIAL TIME TO CARRY OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITIES. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE RECORD OF THIS CASE TO INDICATE THAT A MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO TAKE ANNUAL LEAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE SITE OF AN IMPASSE PROCEEDING. /2/ ID., AT PAGES 5 AND 6. /3/ CF. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, WESTERN REGION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 4 FLRA NO. 40 (1980) (WHEREIN THE AUTHORITY ADOPTED THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE'S FINDING OF A VIOLATION OF SECTION 7116(A)(1) AND (8) OF THE STATUTE). /4/ SECTION 7106(A)(1) PROVIDES, IN PERTINENT PART, (N)OTHING IN THIS CHAPTER SHALL AFFECT THE AUTHORITY OF ANY MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL OF ANY AGENCY-- (1) TO DETERMINE THE MISSION, BUDGET, ORGANIZATION, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, AND INTERNAL SECURITY PRACTICES OF THE AGENCY . . . /5/ SECTION 7135(A)(1) PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS: SEC. 7135. CONTINUATION OF EXISTING LAWS, RECOGNITIONS, AGREEMENTS, AND PROCEDURES (A) NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER SHALL PRECLUDE-- (1) THE RENEWAL OR CONTINUATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE RECOGNITION, CERTIFICATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE, OR A LAWFUL AGREEMENT BETWEEN AN AGENCY AND AN EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF ITS EMPLOYEES, WHICH IS ENTERED INTO BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS CHAPTER . . .