SB/SE – NTEU Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against the IRS Over Pilot of Pre-Closing Conference Meetings

 August 11, 2009

M E M O R A N D U M

TO:      IRS Chapter Presidents

RE:      SB/SE – NTEU Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against the IRS Over Pilot of Pre-Closing Conference Meetings

SUMMARY:  NTEU has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Federal Labor Relations Authority charging the IRS with unilateral implementation of the pilot of Pre-Closing Conference Meetings. 

NTEU has filed the attached Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) charging the IRS with unilateral implementation of the pilot of Pre-Closing Conference Meetings (PCCM) in SB/SE between Revenue Agents (RAs) and managers. 

On or about June 17, 2009 the IRS unilaterally implemented a pilot of PCCM in SB/SE without providing NTEU with notice or an opportunity to bargain.  NTEU learned of the pilot on or about July 28, 2009 when the IRS forwarded an email to NTEU chapter presidents in the Gulf States Area attaching a manager’s briefing document advising them of the pilot.  In that document, the IRS acknowledged that the PCCM is a new concept, changes the format for the initial Group Manager Concurrence Meeting (GMCM), and uses a newly developed PCCM Check Sheet.  The briefing document acknowledged that the IRS made a determination not to negotiate the pilot with NTEU.  A copy of the briefing document is also attached.

NTEU filed the ULP charge with the FLRA to enforce our statutory and contractual rights to bargain over the impact and implementation of changes in conditions of employment.  NTEU is soliciting your comments to identify how the PCCM impacts bargaining unit employees.

                                                                                    Colleen M. Kelley

                                                                                    National President