The head of the union local that represents most Social Security employees has released a statement concerning the union's ongoing dispute with Michael Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. The statement was prepared on February 7, but is just now being released to the public by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). I have posted the entire statement on the Social Security Perspectives blog.
Here are some excerpts:
Here are some excerpts:
AFGE Local 1923 called for a rally on January 22, 2008 at Headquarters to protest the Commissioner’s actions to shut down the EAA [Employee Activities Association, which is at the heart of the angriest dispute between the union and Astrue] ...
On the day of the rally over 300 SSA employees were greeted by an overwhelming police presence. Commissioner Astrue had summoned police from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and contract guards. In addition, demonstrating SSA employees were greeted by police dogs. ...
Not only did SSA order scores of police to the rally but unidentified photographers, who apparently worked for either SSA or the police agencies, took pictures of the entire rally.
How about the union stop asking for dues when they provide the same services for employees who pay no dues, or negotiate a contract where we can work more then just 1.5 credit hours a day. I think both Astrue and the union both have legitimate gripes, but they act like SSA wasnt voted one of the best large agencies to work at, its far from a police state or low morale agencies like DHS. So suck it up.
ReplyDeleteThe union is required by law to provide the same services for all bargaining unit employees, whether or not they have paid dues.
ReplyDeleteAnd how is it the union's fault that the agency is intransigent on the issues on which the union wishes to bargain?
And who outside of Central Office voted SSA such a great agency to work for? It would be a great agency if there were sufficient employees in field offices, but such is not the case now.
SSA must abolish work-at-home if it is to survive.
ReplyDelete