NFFE-Forest Service Council

@nffe-fsc

We represent the 20,000+ employees of the US Forest Service

140 Folgt2.400 Follower692 Posts

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Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir nffe-fsc.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 11

Work for the #forestservice? Let's get you union coverage if you don't already have it.

The Arbitration win only applies to bargaining unit employees. We can't change the decision, but we can grow the bargaining unit so that more folks are covered.
1 what does box 37 on your sf 50 say? 2009 you are already in the bargianing unit, 7777 you are eligible to be in the bargianing unit, 8888 you are a supervisor or see privileged things. 2 lets get your unit organized- fill out this form bit.ly/4yiAE4P or there is a qr code in the lower right corner.
Nffe.org nffe-fsc.org

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 9

A way to help all 5 victims of the Snider fire including the two who are in the burn unit still.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 7

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area who successfully voted to join local 466! @iamunion.bsky.social @nffe.bsky.social

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 4

Happy 4th of July Everyone! Be safe, hydrate, and enjoy!

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 3

A qr code if you want it.

The same information as above but with a qr code for the video link on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/live/m7NVmRd1Q8w

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jul 1

Emily Barker was a remarkable person who brought joy to everyone around her. Her sudden passing while fighting wildfires has left her family devastated. This fundraiser aims to support them during this incredibly tough time. If you can, consider donating/ sharing this post. Every little bit counts.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 30

Nicholas A. Hutcherson was a brave wildland firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting communities and public lands. This fundraiser is just getting started, and sharing helps so much in these early days. Even if you can't donate, a quick share can help. gofund.me/8af002151

A younger guy smiles from under a grey hardhat. The graphic says 32k$ is needed to reach the gofundme goal. The title of the fundraiser is Nicholas A Hutcherson, fallen hero in line of duty. A yellow donate now sticker is on the graphic.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 28

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) mourns the tragic loss of three federal wildland firefighters who died in the line of duty, while responding to the Knowles and Gore Fires along the Colorado-Utah border. The fires, now merged, are the Snyder Mesa Fire.

The background is a mountain meadow from the adjacent forest to the fire. There is a lake in the background and peaks in the far distance. White text reads: The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) mourns the tragic loss of three federal wildland firefighters who died in the line of duty, while responding to the Knowles and Gore Fires (both now the Snyder Mesa Fire). We also extend our heartfelt wishes for the full recovery of the two firefighters injured in the line of duty. Our hearts are with their family, friends and coworkers.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 27

Each conversation with lawmakers and their staff reinforced the importance of investing in the people who protect our public lands. One more day to go, and we're finishing strong! #NFFE #NFFEFSC #LegislativeWeek

Cvp of region 6 Erin Kidwell with Congressman Cliff Bentz

Steward and heavy Eq operator Jason Thompson with Congressman Scott Desjarlais

Steward Jason in a series of selfies with various team members. It's a grid of 9.

Must of the NFFE-FSC delegates with some NFFE Business Reps.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 27

If Congress could hear one thing from our members, what would it be? Whitney Patterson from NFFE Local 1919 shares her message from Legislative Week on the Forest Service reorganization.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 27

We were encouraged by the positive conversations with elected officials, support from the public, and media attention surrounding the issues that matter most.

A mix of photos of your delegates at the IAM Reception

All of the folks who turned out for the Wildfire action now & save the Forest Service press conference

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 26

If Congress could hear one thing from our members, what would it be? Ashley Letscher from NFFE Local 1836 shares her message from Legislative Week. 🇺🇸💙 #NFFE #LegislativeWeek #UnionStrong

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 26

Day 3 in DC! 🌲 A full day of meetings, a wildfire action and Save the Forest Service press conference, and more momentum for the legislation our members need. Every conversation brings us one step closer to meaningful change. #NFFE #UnionStrong #LegislativeWeek

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 24

Day 2 recap ✅John Dyche from NFFE Local 376 Yesterday we continued advocating for Forest Service employees and the public lands we serve, sharing the real world impacts of the challenges facing our workforce and the solutions Congress can support. #NFFE #NFFEFSC #LegislativeWeek

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 24

The the tune of Come Together by The Beatles. The views in the way to the @nffe.bsky.social awards ceremony where President Randy Irwin spoke. #bettertogether #nffestrong #LegislativeWeek with @iamunion.bsky.social

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 23

Tomorrow! 6/24 we would love to have friendly faces in the camera shot.

A flyer in teal and greens with an orange and teal tent in the lower right corner dressing your eye down to the weblink www.nffe.org/usfs-reorg

The body of the flier says: Save the US Forest Service
June 24, 10am, House Triangle
In the DC area and interested in helping save the US Forest Service from being gutted? We are planning a press conference at the Triangle on wednesday June 24. We would like supporters in the shot. Please gather at 10am for the 11am main event.

Free t-shirts for the first 130 members and allies to arrive.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Jun 2

Please make time to respond www.sniderlaw.com/current_case...

Yes we really have a lawsuit going with Snider& associates. The lawsuit has been progressing since 2017. The original grievance alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Title V (FEPA), among other violations.

The case applies to all fs employees who have felt pressured to work through lunch or late without pay. So, most of us.

https://www.sniderlaw.com/current_cases/nffe-forest-service-council-v-u-s-forest-service/

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· May 12

This is ultimately a personal decision, but we strongly encourage members to wait until the BUS code issue is resolved before opting in. If you have questions, contact your local union steward or reach out to the NFFE-FSC Council office.

Attention wildland fire fighters
Do not opt into the new 0456 series, make sure you understand how it will impact your: union representation, bargianing rights, Workplace protections.

Employees converting to the new series could lose union protections
STAND BY FOR MORE INFORMATION

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· May 11

Huge congratulations to the fire committee, local stewards and officers for this win! #bettertogether #unionsmatter #nffestrong

Everything is the same except the body which reads: please work with Jason, Marty, or Lorenza, to make sure your resumes are highlighting your skills, so you can put your best foot forward applying for the promotions.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· May 7

Telematics continued

WHO HAS ACCESS TO THE DATA?

The Forest Service remains committed to responsible use of the telematics data and
safeguarding employee privacy in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and
labor agreements.

Monthly reports on excessive vehicle speeds are automatically generated and shared
with Senior Agency Leadership (Deputy Chiefs, Regional Foresters, and Station
Directors). These speed exceedance reports provided to Senior Agency Leadership
contain only high level vehicle information and do not include employee specific data.
Although fleet staff have system access needed for asset management responsibilities,
any release or use of vehicle specific or employee identifiable telematics information
outside normal fleet operations is limited to the established Telemetric Data Request
process.

Management is currently expanding distribution of telematics reports to safety program
staff. This is being done in response to concerns about unsafe driving behavior. In
cases where local or regional management has established reasonable suspicion, for
example a report from the public or law enforcement, telematics data can be requested
using Telematics Data Request Form.

HOW ARE THE DATA USED?

If vehicles are flagged by the telematics system as presenting a significant safety
concern, a Senior Agency Executive may forward this information to the appropriate
unit. In alignment with Article 27.21, the Agency's first response will focus on
organizational learning and on understanding the system level factors contributing to
the concern, rather than placing blame on individual employees. Any such meeting
convened to review these issues is considered a formal meeting for labor relations
purposes. Therefore, the Union at the appropriate level will be formally notified in
advance and invited to participate in accordance with established labor management
procedures.

If a supervisor believes that telematics information beyond what is identified in the
excessive speed report may be relevant to a specific emplovee or situation. the
supervisor must submit a Telematics Data Request (Telematics Data Request Form) to
obtain any additional telematics data. Prior to the release of employee identifiable or
vehicle specific data, he implicated employee(s) will be notified that a request has
been made and will receive a copy of the completed request form. Data will be
released only after this notification has occurred.

Supervisors should also confirm with their fleet manager that the vehicle's telematics
unit has been properly maintained and that the data is credible. All telematics data
released to a supervisor will also be shared in full with the implicated employee(s).
Informal, undocumented, or ad hoc requests for telematics data are not permitted. All
access to sensitive data must occur through the established request process, with
appropriate notice, transparency, and recordkeeping.

If warranted, additional inquiries may be conducted and could lead to progressive
discipline following the provisions of Article 22 of the MA.

For any additional questions onthe telematics system, please contact the Washington
Office fleetteam at SM.FS.NFM _Group@usdaggo..

Your local Steward or Council Vice President can also
assist you.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· May 7

Welp, the email to all of us, from management, was a nest of links. The information that all employees need to know is this document we've copied and pasted for your reference. Please share widely so that nobody gets surprised this season! #telematics #besafe #nffestrong

US FOREST SERVICE
2026 FI EET TELEMATICS PROGRAM
SUMMARY FOR EMPLOYEES

From: Chris Campbell, National Director of Engineering (Acting)
Date:
April 21, 2026

In support of our shared commitment to employee safety, the Forest Service is
providing its Annual Notification to all employees regarding the purpose, data
collected, and access to the Fleet Telematics System as required by Article 4.13.b
of our Master Agreement (MA) with Forest Service Council of the National
Federation of Federal Employee (FCS-NFFE).

This information will be shared with all employees through an Inside the Forest
Service email to all Agency employees and will be posted on the Agency's Inside
the Forest Service webpage.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TELEMATICS?

The safe operation of government-owned vehicles is of paramount importance and
a part of our broader safety strategy focused on reducing risk, reinforcing safe
driving habits, and preventing future incidents. Analysis of telematics data will be
ised to identify utilization trends and issues that may be addressed with driver
education campaigns.

As per Article 4.13 of the MA, remote vehicle-tracking capabilities; "Will be used to
support the safety and security of government owned vehicles, especially in
instances where a supervisor believes there has been an accident and/or employee
is missing. However, such tracking will not be used to monitor bargaining unit
employees' travel, time, and attendance, except when there is reasonable suspicion
of misconduct". This restriction does not prevent the Agency from using telematics
for improving employee safety.

Specific features of the telematics program can aid in emplovees' safety in the
following ways:

In-Cab Coaching. Telematics devices emit an audible alarm when excessive
speeding is detected to remind drivers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner.
By reducing speeding, we can reduce both the frequency and severity of vehicle
accidents, increased/unwarranted wear & tear on our fleet vehicles as well as
legative/unwarranted public reporting of unsafe driving practices of our
employees.

. Real-Time Location Tracking. The Telematics system is configured to provide
vehicle location data to the CIAO (Check in and Out) system, the DART
(Dynamic Automated Resource Tracking) system, and to FED (the Fleet
Equipment Database). These tools are essential to narrow the search when
employees are missing, to help keep fire resources out of harm's way, and to
assist in locating vehicles for asset management purposes.

• Driver Behavior Statistics. The telematics system allows management to monitor
trends in driver data and develop strategies to mitigate extreme cases. This
includes cataloging instances of excessive speeds (more than 90 mph and 25-+
mph over the posted speed limit). As telematics tools mature and new capabilities
emerge, the agency may adjust or broaden the metrics it monitors to reflect
evolving safety considerations and operational needs.

Finally, telematics data are used to improve fleet asset management. As an example,
data from the 2024 field season enabled management to properly identify 1,500
vehicles and subsequently remove them from the fleet due to low utilization, which
resulted in significant savings of Agency resources.

WHAT DATA ARE COLLECTED?

The telematics systems can collect any data that is available from the onboard vehicle
electronics unit. This includes fuel level, road speed, engine speed, vehicle system
voltage, check engine lights, tire pressure warnings, and maintenance reminders. The
devices also collect GPS locations, cellular signal strength, and vehicle acceleration
data. Finally, the systems utilize data from www.openstreetmap.org to determine
posted speed limits.

While the vehicle is running, these data are collected, processed into packets, and
stored. When the vehicle is within range of a cellular tower the packets are uploaded to
a central database, which can be used to provide a wide range of reports.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 28

🧵 last 4 slides

SUBORDINATE AGREEMENTS ANNOTATION

Examples of negotiations that could be appropriate at Intermediate and Local levels are parking, lunchtime meetings, lunch and breakroom facilities and arrangements, facilities for daycare centers per Public Laws 99-190, facilities for dependent care centers allowed by law or regulations, physical fitness centers provided through Wellness Committees/Programs, transit subsidies, fire assignment rotations, provisions for assignment to overtime, safety, leave scheduling policies, and the impact and implementation of changing office/work facility conditions.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

SUBORDINATE AGREEMENTS
d. Existing subordinate negotiated agreements not in conflict with the Master Agreement remain in effect in accordance with their terms.
e. Any question of validity or noncompliance of a subordinate negotiated to the Master Agreement or any supplemental agreements shall be submitted by either party to the National Parties for resolution. Questions and issues not addressed in any national agreements, as related to its contents, and whether such issues may be negotiated locally should be raised to the National Parties for resolution. A decision will be made by the National Parties within 30 days. If the Parties are unable to agree as to compliance or validity, either Party may Submit the issue to arbitration.
Nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NEGOTIABILITY DISPUTES AND IMPASSES
a. Negotiability Disputes: If (( Management believes a written Union proposal is nonnegotiable under 5 ÚSC Chapter 71. they will raise the issue of negotiability in a timely fashion, at the early stages of the negotiation process, so that attempts can be made to cure any negotiability problems. lf the negotiability issue cannot be resolved, the Union will be provided, upon written request, with a written statement of the rationale for a claim of onnegotiability. The Union may submit a negotiability appeal to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) in accordance with applicable regulations.
b. Impasses: In the event the parties cannot reach agreement, either party may request assistance from the FMCS. If the natter remains unresolved, either party may request impasse resolution assistance from the FSIP.

Nffe-fsc.org

PAST PRACTICES
a. A past practice is established if it is consistently and openly exercised over a significant period of time, followed by both parties, or followed by one party and known but not challenged by the other.
b. Once a past practice is established it becomes a condition of employment and enforceable under this Master Agreement.
c. Past practices may be changed by either party by providing the other party written notice and following procedures in this Article, or by both parties abandoning the practice.
d. When past practices are inconsistent with a government- wide regulation or law that requires an immediate change on or by a specified date, negotiations may occur post- implementation.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 28

🧵

Same side layout. NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
k. Delegation of Authority: 1. When the lead negotiator, for either party, is other than the designated official, their delegation of authority shall be in writing and provided to the other party.*
2. The National Party or intermediate-level parties may delegate their authority in writing to negotiate specific issues, otherwise negotiable at their level, to parties at subordinate levels in order to promote more effective and efficient resolution of issues that more directly affect those parties.
(First sentence is emphasized) Information Requests During Negotiations: Management is
encouraged to share information that is reasonably available and necessary for full and proper discussion, understanding, and negotiation of subjects within the scope of the negotiations at hand, in order to have the most efficient and effective negotiations possible. When there is a disagreement over the information request, the parties are encouraged to work with the National Parties for resolution. lf the disagreement persists, the Parties default to the information requests procedures in Article 5.
*To ensure that all parties in negotiations have the authority to reach agreement.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
m. Memoranda of Understanding: Unless mutually agreed otherwise by the negotiating parties, final negotiated agreements will be documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and identify the parties to the MOU and its terms. If applicable, the MOU will state whether or not further negotiations may take place at the lower organizational level(s) and state any known conditions that need to be met prior to implementation of the changes giving rise to the negotiations and agreement. The MOU will state any conditions for reopening and/or the duration of the agreement.
n. Posting and Distribution: The timely posting and distribution of negotiated agreements will be the responsibility of Management, unless otherwise agreed. Posted agreements will be in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (29 USC 794(d).
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS
a) (this section is emphasized) Supplemental Agreements are agreements negotiated at the national level during the term of the Master Agreement.
b. Normally, the subject addressed in a supplemental agreement will be addressed and incorporated into the Master Agreement in term negotiations.
c. Existing supplemental agreements, not incorporated into the Master Agreement during term negotiations, remain in effect in accordance with their terms.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

SUBORDINATE AGREEMENTS
a. (Emphasized)Subordinate agreements are agreements negotiated at the Local and intermediate levels during the term Of this Master Agreement.
b. The intermediate- or Local-level parties may bargain subjects that are not specifically covered by this Master Agreement, or which have been identified in higher-level agreements for further negotiations. Negotiated agreements between the Local and intermediate parties shall not duplicate, conflict with, or otherwise be inconsistent with the Master Agreement or supplemental agreements and may be subject to review by the National Parties. All Memoranda of Understanding should be posted on the FSweb.*
c. When subordinate negotiated agreements later come into conflict with subsequent higher level negotiated agreements, the higher level negotiated agreement will prevail. Subordinate-negotiated agreements will be modified to reflect changes necessitated by the higher level negotiated agreement.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 28

🧵

Same slide layout as above. NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
a. The parties agree to use the D Article 11 Bargaining Notice and Response to Bargaining Notice checklists, and Ground Rules template (Appendix E). These checklists apply to formal bargaining. They are not required for early engagement under Section 4 but may still be useful to the parties.*
b. Notifications and response timelines. The designated official of the proposing party will provide written notice delineating proposed changes to the designated official of the responding party, utilizing the Article 11 Bargaining Notice
checklist. After receipt of the notice and proposal, the responding party will respond as quickly as possible, but no later than 28 days utilizing the Response to Bargaining Notice checklist. Both Parties should communicate early in the process. Curly arrow pointing at the 28 day timeline above "WHERE THE AGENCY REORGANIZATION PROCESS IS 4/27/26"
c. Where the parties have participated in early engagement and there are unresolved bargainable issues, an Article 11 Bargaining Notice will be issued and the receiving party will have 14 days utilizing the Response to Proposal checklist.
*The parties are encouraged to avoid going to impasse over the contents of ground rules.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Same side format
NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
d. If the responding party does not intend to negotiate, they will notify the other party as soon as possible.
e. In situations where management did not notify the appropriate union officials, the timeline starts only when the correct official is notified by the other party's designated official.
f. Within 10 days of the proposing Party's receipt of the Response to Proposal checklist,the Parties will schedule a time to begin negotiations (to include ground rule negotiations if needed) unless the parties mutually agree to extend the timeframes.
g. On a Management-initiated proposal, if a response is not received within the indicated number of days in Subsections 5.b or 5.c above, then Management may proceed with implementation of the proposal unless there is a mutually agreed-upon extension in writing. The Parties are encouraged to communicate early in the process to avoid an unintended waiver.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Same layout as other slides. NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
h. Negotiations will typically be a hybrid of traditional and interest- based bargaining. The National Parties recommend the use of the Ground Rules Template ir Appendix E with any modifications as negotiated by the parties. The National Parties also encourage the use of technologies that reduce the need for travel. Regardless of the negotiation method used, the parties are encouraged to work expeditiously.
i. If the Parties agree that facilitation is needed, any expenses incurred for facilitation, including travel and per diem, will be fully borne by Management.*
. Designated Officials and Points of Contact: The proposing party will issue a negotiations notice to the respective individual(s) listed in the table below. If the proposing party is unclear who the designated official is for a particular organization, the NFFE-FSC Secretary-Treasurer, for the Union, or the National Labor Relations Officer, for the Agency, may be contacted and will provide the name and contact information of the designated official.

*Provisions for facilitation expenses in this Section apply only to Article 11 negotiations. By mutual agreement, the parties may make other arrangements for the facilitation expenses.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Negotiations notice recieving officials table. This table is best viewed in the original pdf nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 28

🧵 article 11 cont.

Slides have the same layout. GENERAL PROVISIONS ENNOTATION
What constitutes "conditions of employment" is subject to interpretation by the FLRA, but they are generally personnel policies, practices, and matters, whether established by rule, regulation, or otherwise, directly affecting bargaining unit employees' working conditions, but not matters relating to: (1) political activities prohibited under the Hatch Act, (2) classification, or (3) issues specifically provided for by federal statute (such as wages and salaries). 5 ÚSC 7103(a)(14). Conditions of employment may include the physical design and layout of employee workspaces, work schedules, procedures for leave approval, disciplinary procedures, etc., some of which are at least partially covered by this Master Agreement.
Early engagement may resolve some but not all issues; remaining issues may be addressed through formal negotiations. Not all natters discussed during early engagement are subject to bargaining. The parties are advised to evaluate the negotiability of issues not resolved informally before proceeding with bargaining.
In accordance with established case law, unless there is an
overriding exigency or necessary function of the Agency, Management is obligated to maintain the status quo during negotiations regarding proposed change(s) pending completion of the bargaining, which may include mediation and impasse procedures, if timely invoked.
..
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Same layout more text: GENERAL PROVISIONS
f. The question of whether the Agency is obligated to bargain with the Union over a change in conditions of employment can be a complex legal question involving such concepts as "de ninimis" and "covered by." The parties at the Intermediate and Local levels should work together and are advised to seek advice from the Parties at the National level prior to implementation or the earliest practical date.
(Emphasize next sentence) g. Management agrees that it wilI not unilaterally implement changes in personnel policy or practices that affect conditions of employment, including those originating from terms of dispute settlement agreements, unless there is an emergency, or the date of implementation is required by law. In emergency situations, the appropriate Union representative will be notified as soon as possible. Where date of implementation is required by law, notice will be provided in accordance with Section 5 as soon as possible. In either case, negotiations may continue post-implementation.*
*"Dispute settlement agreements" clarifies that if the terms of dispute settlement agreements impact the Bargaining Unit, then there is a notification obligation for potential bargaining. Bargaining will be done in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Same layout. GENERAL PROVISIONS
h. Management willengage in bargaining over 5 USC 7106(b)(1) permissive subjects as required by law or Executive Order at the time of the Union's request to bargain.
i. If negotiations are invoked, the parties at the level proposing the change are obligated to meet or otherwise communicate in a timely manner and bargain in good faith, which may include mediation and impasse procedures.
j. At the completion of negotiations, the Parties agree to implement, distribute, promote and support the negotiated agreement to the impacted employees and involved nanagement officials.
k. Parties may address alleged violations of this Article through either the grievance/arbitration process or through filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP), but not both.
I. Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit either Party's statutory rights.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

PROCEDURES FOR EARLY ENGAGEMENT
D Early engagement may reduce the need to formally negotiate a change ` that may affect conditions of employment. The parties will notify one another of emerging topics or initiatives on such changes as soon as practical and before making a decision. They are encouraged to collaborate in an effort to facilitate the early identification and resolution of issues and provide the opportunity for participants to add value to the outcome.
a. The Parties will memorialize the substance of the consensus agreements reached during collaboration in writing, acknowledged by both Parties. Any unresolved matters may be addressed pursuant to the procedures within Section 5.
b. If the Union is involved in the development of a policy or guidance, they should be given the opportunity to review the final document.
c. Early engagement does not affect either Party's statutory rights.
nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 28

What is this article 11 we keep speaking of? The first couple slides explain the "what" while the subsequent slides get into the substance of the article in the Master Agreement.

Slide layout is the same. Text reads: GENERAL PROVISIONS
a. The Parties agree to work together to enhance the principles of mutual trust, accountability, understanding, and respect.
b. The Master Agreement is controlling, and neither the Union nor Management may negotiate nor implement any change hat conflicts 3.th this Master Agreement. Only the National Parties may reopen the Master Agreement, in whole or in part, during its term and only upon mutual agreement subject to Article 45.2.
c. The Parties recognize early engagement promotes efficiency and effectiveness in labor-management relations. (Start emphasis)
Employees have the opportunity, through their Union, to meaningfully engage with Management on changes that mpact them at an early stage. (End emphasis) Early engagement allows the parties to collaborate more efficiently and resolve issues normally addressed in negotiations under this Article's procedures. Early engagement is appropriate for emerging topics, initiatives, or policies that may affect conditions of employment. The Parties will follow the procedures below in Section 4 for early engagement.
The whole article can be accessed in apsf version at nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

Same lay out. GENERAL PROVISIONS
d. The Parties agree that the decision to change conditions of / employment may create a need for either Management or the Union to propose midterm negotiations. Either party may propose changes in conditions of employment not in confiict with this Master Agreement during its term. The procedures in this Article will be used when such changes in conditions of employment are proposed and are not covered by this Agreement.
e. Management may implement changes in personnel policy or practices that affect conditions of employment that are not in conflict with this Master Agreement. When .. notify, in the changes create 9 bargaining obligation, Management writing, the appropriate Union officials of the proposed changes and provide the opportunity to negotiate, including concÌusion of`mediation and impasse procedures if the services of either the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) or the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP) are invoked by either Party.* there is acurly-q arrow pointing at the * with the following text at is tail:
* MEANS THERE'S CLARIFICATION IN THE ANNOTATIONS

Nffe-fsc.org/master-agreement

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 23

Everyday can be Earth Day in our jobs btwn fire fighting with right sized tactics, including MIST, slinging d-tapes (hugging trees), to ecosystem restoration and maintenance by our teams. All our jobs contribute to caring for the land and serving people. #ourworkmatters #savetheUSFS #unionstrong

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 21

2/2 reintroducing ourselves. #bettertogether #nffestrong #safetheusfs

Re-Introducing Ourselves
Why would I want to join the union?
2. To ensure full benefits of representation:
-For matters covered by the Master
Agreement, vour Union must provide
representation, whether you join the
Union or not. But those who join the Union get the full benefits
representation:

-Only members can participate in votes that serve to
direct the Local Lodge (Union) with regards to issues.
- Only members can vote for the Union officers and serve
as Officers and Stewards.

The Union does not have to represent non-members in
issues outside of the Master Agreement, such as EEO
Cases, Workplace Injuries (OWCP), Merit Systems
Protection Board, Whistleblower Complaints, and more.

Re-Introducing Ourselves

Member-only benefits:

◦ Dental, vision, and disability plans
◦ Union Plus discounts (unionplus.org)
Free and reduced-cost college for you and your family
○ Scholarships for members and families
○ Addiction support - assessment, placement, aftercare

24/7 confidential support:
IAM-EAP: 301-335-0735 I Addiction: 888-250-4IAM

Join today.

Qr-code
Payroll Deduction
nffe-fsc.org/membership

Qr-code
E-Dues (Direct)
nffe.org/e-dues

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 21

Reintroducing ourselves. What else would you like to know?

Re-Introducing Ourselves

NFFE was officiallv created at a labor
convention in Washington, D.C. on
September 17, 1917. Forests began
organizing shortly there after- we have
some of the earliest local numbers
including FL34, FL60 and FL125. NFFE is the first union in the
United States to represent civil service federal employees (postal
workers unions are older).

At its founding, NFFE was unique in its inclusion of women,
electing Florence Etheridge to the first national council, making
her one of the few women with leadership positions in labor at
the time. In 1963, NFFE was a strong proponent of the Equal Pay
Act , which mandated pay equity between men and women in the
workplace.

Re-Introducing Ourselves

Many benefits that Federal emplovees now
take for granted were fought and won by
Federal sector unions: i.e. pay raises;
benefits; holidav, sick and annual leave;
retirement systems; protection from unfair
labor practices; the ability to defend against unfair disciplinary
practices; and fairness in promotions and job assignments.

These benefits are under constant attack. Currently our Agency
as a whole is under attack. Joining your Union is the right thing
to do to support an organization who supports you every day in
your role as a Federal employee.

Re-Introducing Ourselves

Why would I want to join the union?
Maybe its based on philosophical reasons,
or ensuring that you get the full benefits of
L
representation, obtaining access to
benefits available to union members, or a combination of these
reasons.

1.It's the right thing to do: Many workers join simply because
they understand that the Union brings value for all Forest
Service workers through negotiating over conditions of
employment, lobbying in Congress in support federal
employee pay and benefits, and holding management
accountable tor taking action in an equitable and legal
nanner. These workers view it as the right thing to do to
ensure that the Union can continue to provide benefits for all
workers, even if they don't ever expect to need direct Union
assistance on any workplace matters.

NFFE-Forest Service Council@nffe-fsc· Apr 16

Making sure the public has the whole picture #ourworkmatters #bettertogether #nffestrong #saveourforests #saveUSFS