| Third National Collective Bargaining Agreement |
ARTICLE 15
REDUCTION-IN-FORCE, TRANSFERS OF FUNCTION AND REORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. Management will, in accordance with Article 8, notify the Union after the final decisions have been made to conduct a reduction-in-force (RIF), transfer of function, or a reorganization which would adversely affect unit employees. All actions covered by this Article shall conform to Federal, Department, and NOAA laws and regulations. In accordance with law and regulation, Management will attempt to give notice to NWSEO of the possibility of a reduction-in-force, prior to final decisions.
SECTION 2. Management will, upon written request, furnish or make available for union examination the following information on RIF's:
A. Retention registers as developed;
B. Records applicable to individual actions;
C. Staffing Authorizations;
D. Directives requiring official reduction-in-force, subject to regulatory or statutory exclusion.
The Union agrees to request, in writing, access to the above referenced material at least five (5) days in advance. This written notification will contain the name(s) of the union representative(s) authorized to review this material. All requests shall be addressed to the Assistant Administrator of the Weather Service or the Regional/Office Director, as appropriate. This shall not be construed as a limitation on the right to information as set forth in Article 6, Section 3.
SECTION 3. Bargaining unit employees affected by a RIF have the right to inspect RIF records that pertain to their individual actions, in so far as it is permissible under the provisions of law and regulations. In reviewing these records, the employee may, if he/she chooses, be assisted by a Union representative. Such reviews will be requested in writing at least five (5) days in advance and include the name of the Union representative, if any, accompanying the employee.
SECTION 4. Prior to official notification to employees of a transfer of function or reorganization, the Union will be notified in accordance with Article 8 of any physical relocation of the unit or any of its component parts. Management will inform the Union of any changes in personnel policies, practices, or working conditions affected by these actions. Any such preliminary information will be held in strict confidence.
SECTION 5. If Management determines that RIF procedures will be enacted, each competing employee selected for release from a competitive level will be given a general written notice at least 60 days before the effective date of action. An informational package listing employee's rights will be included along with the general notice. If the general notice is to be supplemented by a specific notice, it shall be given to the employee at least 10 days before the effective date of the action.
SECTION 6. In the event of a reduction in force affecting NWS field components, there will be six competitive areas: Eastern Region, Southern Region, Central Region, Western Region, Pacific Region, and Alaska Region.
SECTION 7. In the event that Management determines a RIF is necessary, Management and the Union will attempt to utilize the Article 8 NLC/RLC process to fashion recommended actions to mitigate the adverse effect on employees, such as the following:
A. directed or voluntary lateral reassignments;
B. holding vacancies in lieu of filling positions (i.e. attrition);
C. limiting competition when filling positions;
D. reviewing employee qualification for possible placement in other career fields; and
E. Counseling/Assisting employees in finding continued Federal Employment.
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