http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0307/031307b1.htmDHS to move ahead with parts of labor relations overhaul
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
bballenstedt@govexec.com
The Homeland Security Department informed union leaders last week that it plans to implement portions of its proposed labor relations, including those governing adverse actions and appeals.
In letters to the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union, DHS announced that certain parts of its labor relations rules would apply to bargaining unit members "as soon as practicable."
Just a few weeks ago, DHS outlined plans to move slower on its controversial personnel overhaul, formerly known as MaxHR but now called the Human Capital Operational Plan.
Labor unions have long criticized the changes, arguing they would give managers too much power and infringe on the rights of agency employees. AFGE and NTEU led a successful lawsuit against some portions of the plan; last June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a lower court's decision that portions of the rules illegally curtailed collective bargaining rights for employees by giving management the ability to cancel negotiated agreements after the fact.
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I am an AFSCME member.