NTEU is e-mailing all Case Advocates within the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to urge them to complete a survey to gather information regarding our grievance concerning uncompensated overtime.    

July 1, 2010

M E M O R A N D U M

TO:  IRS Chapter Presidents

RE:  TAS Case Advocates Survey

SUMMARY:  NTEU is e-mailing all Case Advocates within the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to urge them to complete a survey to gather information regarding our grievance concerning uncompensated overtime.     

On April 19, 2009, NTEU filed a national grievance against the IRS under the Fair Labor Standards Act seeking compensation for overtime worked by Case Advocates in TAS.  The grievance alleges that Case Advocates in many locations around the country have worked uncompensated overtime as a result of excessively high inventories and tight deadlines.

As announced in a chapter presidents’ memorandum dated
June 14, 2010, NTEU launched an online survey to gather the factual evidence that we need to arbitrate this grievance.  In order to boost participation, I will be sending e-mails (attached) directly to Case Advocates with a link to the survey and urging them to participate.  I urge you to follow up with the Case Advocates and strongly encourage them to complete this survey.  We are extending the deadline for completion to
July 16, 2010. 

Unfortunately, the IRS has not agreed to provide administrative time to complete this survey.  Therefore, Case Advocates should be cautioned to complete the survey on nonwork time.  In addition, the IRS has indicated that they believe Case Advocates should not use TAMIS or other similar programs to check the time they spent working.  Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, Case Advocates should simply estimate the times they have worked from memory or from their personal records.        

                                  Colleen M. Kelley

                                National President