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Click here to listen to Bryan Lowry-Council President on "Inside Government" on December 12, 2008 (be sure to click PLAY once it links you to the site)

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Six inmates stabbed during riot at Victorville prison

VICTORVILLE • At least six federal inmates were stabbed during a riot at the Federal Correctional Institution Monday night.

One prisoner was stabbed multiple times in the chest when “multiple fights between numerous inmates in several housing units” broke out at the medium-security facility at about 6:10 p.m., officials said.

A total of six inmates were taken to local hospitals because of injuries and one staff member received minor injuries, officials said.

“All but one of the inmates have returned to the institution,” said Chris Burke, spokesman for the prison.  “The one inmate remaining at the hospital is in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. The staff member was treated at a local hospital for minor abrasions to his head.”

The Federal Correctional Institution, Victorville II, in the 13800 block of Air Expressway, is secured and on lockdown, according to a Federal Bureau of Prisons news release, officials said Tuesday.

The cause of the disturbance is under investigation and the prison will remain on lock down until the investigation is completes, Burke said.

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Bush issues order implementing 3.9 percent pay raise
 
 
President Bush on Thursday issued an executive order implementing the 3.9 percent pay hike for federal employees included in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act passed in September.
The 3.9 percent figure is 1 percentage point higher than the administration initially proposed in its February budget, and brings the 2009 civilian pay increase in line with the raise for members of the military.
National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley said she was pleased with the pay raise, but wished the initial proposal had been higher.
"It is disappointing that in every year of this administration, it has failed to make the connection between fair and competitive pay and the ability of agencies to secure and keep the high-quality employees they need if they are going to meet public expectations of government service," she said.
The executive order was necessary to specify how the overall civilian pay hike will be divided between base and locality pay. Bush allocated 2.9 percent to basic pay, and 1 percent to locality increases.
For General Schedule employees, base pay will range from $17,540 for employees in Grade 1, Step 1, to $127,604 for employees in Grade 15, Step 10. For employees in the Senior Executive Service, pay will range from $117,787 to $177,000 for executives in agencies with certified SES performance appraisal systems, and from $117,787 to $162,900 in agencies without such systems.
Members of the SES paid the current minimum salary of $114,468 will receive guaranteed 2009 raises of 2.9 percent to bring their salaries in line with the new floor of $117,787. Raises for other senior executives will be determined on an individual basis and will vary by agency.
The Office of Personnel Management posted updated locality pay tables to accompany the order.
Employees in the Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia area will receive the highest total pay adjustment, at 4.78 percent. Those in the "rest of U.S." category will get an overall boost of 3.52 percent.

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Obama to name pro-union Rep. Hilda Solis to Labor post

The California congresswoman is a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is called a coalition-builder.

By Peter Nicholas

PRO-LABOR: Rep. Hilda Solis was elected to Congress in 2000

from a district that includes swaths of East L.A. and the San

Gabriel Valley. She has consistently voted in support of labor's interests.


December 19, 2008

Reporting from Washington — Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-El Monte), a Congressional Hispanic Caucus leader considered to be one of the most reliably pro-union voices in the House, is President-elect Barack Obama's choice to head the Labor Department, a Democratic official said Thursday.

Obama is expected to announce the selection at a news conference today in Chicago .

Solis, 51, would be the third Latino member of Obama's Cabinet, a measure of diversity that has garnered praise from this fast-growing slice of the electorate.

After Obama nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be his Commerce secretary, some Latino officials complained that they were being shut out of the most prestigious Cabinet posts. Richardson at one time had been rumored to be in line for secretary of State, before Obama offered him the Commerce slot.

Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) had cautioned that Obama's legislative agenda might face roadblocks unless more Latinos were installed in top positions.

Since then, Obama has said he will nominate Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) as secretary of the Interior, and now Solis as Labor secretary. Prominent Latino officials are now praising the new Cabinet's makeup.

In an interview Thursday, Baca said: "We're glad he listened to our voices and listened to the Hispanic community that came out and delivered for him on election day. It's a great day for the Hispanic community."

Solis did not return calls for comment.

Elected to Congress in 2000 from a district that includes swaths of East L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley , Solis has consistently voted in support of labor's interests. A congressional voting analysis conducted by the AFL-CIO showed that she voted with organized labor 100% of the time last year.

She supported measures increasing the minimum wage, making it easier for workers to organize and preserving a ban on privatizing jobs at the Labor Department. Other labor groups that study congressional voting patterns gave her a 100% rating in 2005 and 2006.

J.P. Fielder, spokesman for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, suggested that Solis' voting record is overly weighted in labor's favor. "The business community recognizes that economic growth has happened in a number of non-unionized states. She has sided with the AFL-CIO in 97% of the votes that she has cast on the Hill," he said.

Solis also serves on the board of directors of American Rights at Work, which advocates for the right to form unions and bargain collectively. The chairman is former Rep. David Bonior of Michigan , who was also in the running for the Labor secretary post.

"I'm very excited," said Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. "This is an extraordinary moment for all women, but especially for the Latino community."

Durazo said Solis would be effective in the job because she is a "coalition-builder" who "doesn't walk in thinking everything has to be a battle with business."

Before winning her congressional seat, Solis spent 18 years in the Legislature in Sacramento . In Solis' hometown of El Monte , officials are hoping that her move to Labor secretary will give the local economy a much-needed boost.

El Monte officials cut more than $2 million from the city's budget Wednesday and laid off more than 80 part- and full-time workers during a special meeting. The city had long ago banked on the auto sales industry, and now that is flagging.

Councilwoman Emily Ishigaki, 63, said she had high hopes for Solis, whom she has long worked with as a fellow member of the El Monte Business and Professional Women.

"I hope she can devise a way to bring jobs back to America ," Ishigaki said. "I sure hope it means notice for the San Gabriel Valley ."

Past colleagues of Solis describe her as a formidable politician. Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, one of the Los Angeles political heavyweights who backed Solis in her first foray into politics -- a race for the Rio Hondo College board -- said the congresswoman was a proven coalition-builder but could be "tenacious."

"I think that her support for labor is just rooted in a deep conviction," Hertzberg said. "In my judgment, it's important to have a Labor secretary who has a strong sentiment for working folks."

Once Solis vacates her congressional seat, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will have 14 days to call a special election. One candidate is likely to be state Sen. Gloria Romero (D- Los Angeles ).

Romero replaced Solis in the state Senate, and Romero's district encompasses the congressional district.

Romero, herself a strong labor advocate, made her name in the Legislature by holding tough oversight hearings into California 's troubled prison system.

"I have deep roots, and I would certainly give it every consideration," Romero said of a potential race for Congress. "Definitely, I am interested."



 

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Texas prison standoff ends peacefully December 13, 2008

(CNN) -- Two recreation workers in a Texas prison were released late Friday after they were held hostage by inmates, according to state police.

Earlier on Friday, inmates set fire to the recreation area at the Reeves County Detention Center III in Pecos, said Texas Highway Patrol Trooper John Barton.

The inmates, who had made several demands, surrendered late Friday after negotiations with authorities. They were later returned to their cells, Barton said.

The 980-bed, low-security unit, operated by Geo Group Inc., houses federal prisoners as well as inmates from other states.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LOMPOC CITY RESOLUTION

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Case Law Update – Arbitrator’s Decision Mitigating Termination To “Time Served” Was Inherently Arbitrary, Federal Circuit Rules
 
November 11, 2008
 
An arbitrator's decision mitigating an employee's termination to a "time served" suspension was arbitrary and capricious, the Federal Circuit ruled recently.
In this case, the employee worked for the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an information technology specialist. On March 15, 2006, in an isolated outburst, the employee damaged a computer and other office equipment. As a result, he was placed on administrative leave and later terminated.
The employee challenged the termination through his union, and requested reinstatement, back pay, leave, and benefits. The union invoked the arbitration clause of its collective bargaining agreement, and the case was heard by an arbitrator on April 10, 2007. During arbitration, the employee conceded that his conduct was improper and that it warranted a "substantial suspension," but argued that termination was too severe a penalty.
On July 5, 2007, the arbitrator issued a decision applying the "Douglas factors," and concluded that a substantial suspension is the maximum reasonable penalty for the employee's misconduct and for the efficiency of the service. Accordingly, the arbitrator ordered that the employee be reinstated without back pay, which prompted the employee to petition for review of the arbitrator's decision.
The Federal Circuit began its opinion by explaining that while the arbitrator did not expressly describe his decision as a imposing a "time served" suspension, that is precisely what it did. By mitigating the employee's termination to reinstatement without back pay, the arbitrator effectively converted the employee's penalty to a suspension without pay for 342 days - from July 28, 2006 (the termination date) to July 5, 2007 (the date of the arbitrator's decision). The employee argued that a "time served" suspension is inherently arbitrary and capricious because it is based solely on the length of time that elapses between the date of the termination and the date of the arbitrator's decision.
In its decision, the appeals court essentially agreed with the employee. The Federal Circuit stated that the length of a suspension ordered by an arbitrator who mitigates termination to suspension is inherently arbitrary when it is based solely on the employee's "time served" awaiting the arbitrator's decision, because the punishment is determined by accident and not by a process of logical deliberation and decision. The Federal Circuit stated that there are many factors that a reviewing authority may and should take into account when determining the appropriate length of an employee's suspension, but it may not set the length of a suspension based solely on the time that it takes the reviewing authority to reach a decision.
Accordingly, the Federal Circuit vacated the arbitrator's decision in part, and remanded it for consideration of the appropriate length of the employee's suspension under Douglas. In all other respects, the arbitrator's decision was affirmed.
The case is Greenstreet v. Social Security Administration, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, No. 2007-3312, September 24, 2008.


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A Message from the President

By: Esther White

I want to start out this article by thanking all the Stewards, E-Board and members for their participation in the

First Annual Awards Banquet. It was very nice and we are considering possibly having another event there, just

for the comedy. We also had a very special appearance at the banquet. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

showed up. She did not stay long but did introduce herself to everyone that attended. In case you don’t know

her office has been instrumental and always available for us. Her district representative Ron Barber has been in

contact with us and continues to be in contact with us. Mr. Barber mentioned at the banquet that he would be

glad to help anyone who needs assistance with social security and veterans issues. If you need his information I

can give it to you.

The next event we will have is the annual Christmas party on December 13, 2008. Dave enjoys making all the

arrangements and he will be again. Lisa Moretti will be helping also, she received the "Volunteer of the Year."

award as Susan Mastin received the, "Recruitment Award," and the "Unionist Award." Mark Barnard received

the, "Steward of the Year Award." We plan to continue these awards every year.

On November 5, 2008 we had a long meeting. Mr. Thomas Muther, attorney at law, attended and was very

informative on what he could help us with at the local level. The members voted to retain him and I’ve already

began utilizing his advice and services.

When you see our Vice President Paul Morelli you can congratulate him on the hazardous duty pay grievance he

pursued and followed through to arbitration. The union won this arbitration.

We also have an election coming up for President, Executive Vice President and Treasurer and whatever

happens I have enjoyed being your president. We have come a long way in the last two years and we have more

plans to go forward and continue representing the bargaining unit.

Recently I attempted to secure regular days, at the encouragement of a manager, for my official time, thinking

and believing it would be better for everyone, management and the union. I also asked for it two years ago.

This request was not approved and I will continue to ask for official time on a case by case basis. I have had no

problems with my official time, I just feel it would be simpler if we could have set days to make appointments,

to follow up on issues and the regular days would be utilized by all of us on the e-board. I have found that

resolving issues does take time, its not something you can straighten out without time. It’s much quicker to

write a grievance or an Unfair Labor Practice than it is to sit down and try to work out something.

If anyone has anything they need to discuss with myself or any other representative, let us know we can arrange

to be available whenever needed.

I mentioned before about the benefits that are available on the AFGE website. I wanted to expand because I

realized that the, "Working Advantage," does not show up until you click on the entertainment benefits link.

You can get weekly e-mails of the benefits available to union members. If someone has utilized these benefits I

would like to hear about it and we can write about it in an effort to inform staff of what is available.

I have also been given the opportunity to participate in policy negotiations in Washington, D.C., I will be sitting

in for our Western Regional Vice President Tim Debolt, this will be the week of November 17-21. I will let you

know how it goes.

Executive Vice-President’s Letter

By: Dave Clifford

Once again, Annual refresher training and the total leave year scheduling is upon us. Because every department

is unique and conduct their own scheduling, it is impossible for the E-Board to know without your feedback if

issues arise. We rely on our members to be our eyes and ears to report any perceived wrongs.

Annual refresher training (ART) will start on January 4, 2009, and conclude the last week of March. ART will

not be scheduled during holiday weeks, rodeo break, and local schools spring break. We have been told that last

years agreements are still in play which allows annual leave to be scheduled during ART on a limited basis (at

least one slot).

The annual Union Christmas party is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008 and will be held at the FOP

lodge located at 3445 N. Dodge Blvd. Doors open at 6pm. It will be FREE to all dues paying members and their

immediate family and anyone else who joins at the door. A flyer will be put out shortly with more details.

Because of the growing popularity of this annual event and the expense involved, RSVP’s will be requested

prior to December 1st to help control food and drink costs. Please RSVP to:

dclifford@bop.gov.

Members who are unable to attend due to scheduled work will be treated to pizza and soda at each institution

the night of the party and will also be automatically entered into our door prize drawings.

Union elections are upon us once again and I encourage all who are interested to run for office. The last two

years have gone by fast for me and it has been an honor to represent you as an E-Board member. Our Union has

grown greatly in membership and in function and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our

success.

Chief Steward’s Voice

By: Mark Barnard

YOUR SICK LEAVE BENEFITS AND THE UNION

As the weather turns cooler, we are approaching the start of cold and flu season, so what better time to talk

about your sick leave benefits. Sick leave is a part of the benefits package that you receive along with your

salary, annual leave, health care benefits, etc. It is a benefit that you earn as a Bureau employee, not a privilege

granted to you by management.

As an employee, you have the responsibility to notify your supervisor that you are sick before the beginning of

your scheduled shift. However, during times of staff shortage, you may experience a situation in which your

supervisor discourages you from calling in sick. Please remember that you have the right to use those benefits

when you, or a family member are sick.

By no means does the union condone or encourage the abuse of sick leave by employees who are just looking

for an extra day off. However, it is incumbent upon management to consider your request for sick leave to be

legitimate, unless they have reason to believe otherwise. If you are out sick for more than three consecutive

days, your supervisor may request a medical slip to substantiate the leave. At this present time, there is

disagreement at the national level between management and the union over the issue of who pays the cost for

the visit to a medical facility if a doctor’s note is required by your supervisor for absences exceeding three days.

Please take the time to read and become familiar with Article 20 of the Master Agreement. This article outlines

your rights and responsibilities regarding the use of sick leave. If you receive notice from a manager or

supervisor that they want to counsel you about what they believe is an abuse of sick leave. Please contact a

union steward as soon as possible and let us assist you to ensure that your rights are protected. Remember we

stand together and there is unity in strength!!

 

 

Secretary/Chief Steward’s Corner

By: Susan Mastin

 

Hello Brothers and Sisters. The Local had its First Annual Union Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 22,

2008, at Laffs Comedy Caffe. I was pleasantly surprised over the turn out. There were about one hundred that

attended and a good time was had by all. Awards were presented to those union members that have stepped up

and are involved as a union activist. Awards given were: Recruitment Award to Susan Mastin; Volunteer

Award to Lisa Moretti, Steward of the Year Award to Mark Barnard; Unionist of the Year to Susan Mastin; and

the Leadership Award went to Dave Clifford. Esther White was presented with the awards of Fastest Growing

Union in the West and Distinguished Leadership Award. These awards were given out at the CPL Convention

in Las Vegas. Several door prizes were also given out such as: Movie cards, Gas cards, Home Depot, Harber

Freight, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Lowes, Blockbuster, Applebee’s, Target, Outback Steak House, Bath and

Body Works, Starbucks and Sportsman gift cards.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her Director Ron Barber also attended the event. Mr. Barber was the

guest speaker and assured everyone that Congresswoman Giffords is committed to assisting staff at FCC Tucson

with staffing, and security issues we are having, especially in the wake of the additional staff stabbings and

deaths of Correctional Workers.

Questionnaires were passed out to get feedback from the membership regarding this event. Everyone responded

that they liked the idea of coming out to see brothers and sisters in a social setting at a good location. Some

suggestions for other types of events or functions were; Bowling night, Recruitment events - Pizza parties and

such, Hockey games, Gaslight Theatre, Movie night, Phoenix baseball/football games, and a Casino night.

These are all great ideas. If anyone has an idea for the good of the local, please let the Board know.

The Employees Club hosted another Monday Night Football event at Buffalo Wild Wings and was well

attended. Koodoo’s to the Employees Club. There was a Family Appreciation Day with professional photos for

staff and their families on October 18th and19th. The Employees Club didn’t stop there. They also sponsored a

Bake Sale on October 29th and are planning a Holiday Auction. Please, if you have for A reminder, dues are

$15.00, per year and fund raisers are being sponsored throughout the year. The Employees Club is for everyone,

so please come out and show your support.

With much sadness, I received news that on October 22, 2008, that Correctional Officer Mike Rutledge from

FCI Dublin was murdered outside his home when leaving for work. The Stockton Record carried the news. I

have attached the initial article: STOCKTON – The man killed this morning outside his north Stockton home

as he headed for work has been identified as a Federal Bureau of Corrections employee.

Mike Rutledge was leaving for work at Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin where he supervised an

inmate cooking crew when he was fatal injured outside his Montana Street home, police Officer Pete Smith, a

Stockton Police Department spokesman, said shortly after 11 a.m. today. Smith said Rutledge was in his mid-

thirties. Sally Swartz, a spokeswoman for the Dublin facility, said he had worked there the past eight years or so.

Smith had no other new details on Rutledge's death.

In the last issue of The Guardian, I printed the latest letter from the Director dated August 27, 2008. He stated

that the core of our management philosophy is the concepts of respect and communication. We communicate

with inmates regularly and directly and expect them to communicate with us, thereby addressing concerns and

avoiding problems.

 

This longstanding approach to inmate management has worked well, for most inmates. But we know there are

some who are confrontational, who resist and defy authority, who break rules, who antagonize other inmates and

who are violent to staff and other inmates.

We believe these inmates, though few in number, are largely responsible for the increases in inmate assaults, the

need for more frequent lockdowns, and the more serious nature of assaults on staff. Well, I hate to be barer of

bad news, but, this concept just "ain’t workin!" We communicate with inmates and they respond by stabbing

more Correctional Officers! Evidence of this: Coleman an Officer was stabbed 15 times. Thank God most

were superficial but he was hospitalized. Another officer at Big Sandy was stabbed 5 times on 10/22/08, and

also survived.

The agency has been opposed of providing stab resistant vests, and other personal protection. The agency has

lost their fight and have given staff the "option" of being fitted for vests. However, the Director has issued a

memorandum to AFGE with the mandatory rules and regulations of wearing the vests. My question to the

agency is this: "How many more staff have to be seriously injured or murdered before you wake up and see the

need to be FULLY STAFFED and personal protection no longer be an option!!"

Just so everyone is aware, the Council received the agency’s "Vest Implementation Plan." To sum up the plan;

The agency stated that if you receive a vest, all staff will be required to wear the vest while on duty and anytime

you are on the institution grounds where you can be called to respond to an emergency. This will include

Annual Refresher Training. Oh wait, it gets better.

For the first 10 days after issuance, employees will be given verbal warnings should they fail to wear their vest

to work. Should they fail to wear their vest, they will be provided the option of retrieving their vest on their

own time (LEAVE), or they will be provided a vest from the institution reserve for the day. After the initial 10

days, employees will be given a verbal warning for the first instance of not wearing their vest while on duty.

Any subsequent days where the employee does not wear the vest will be referred as misconduct to the Office of

Internal Affairs and the employee will be subject to discipline for not wearing their equipment.

An employee may turn in their vest at anytime, should they no longer desire to have the vest. Once the vest is

returned to the agency, the employee WILL NOT be provided a new vest at that location, should they request

one at a later date. Should an employee transfer to another institution after they have turned in their vest, they

will have ONE opportunity to request another vest at their new institution, however, this does not apply to

transfers within the complex.

Finally, should an employee lose their vest, they are to report it in writing to their direct supervisor as soon as

practicable, but no later then the next business day after they become aware of the missing vest.

A question that popped into my head was...if the vest are worn under our shirts, how will management know we

are wearing it??? Am I going to have to un-button my blouse or lift my sweater to prove I have my vest on?

Needless to say the Council was not very pleased with the implementation plan. The agency has taken things

one step further to punish staff. The stab resistant vest arrived at Atwater, however management there will not

pass them out to the staff blaming the "Union" because they filed a grievance against the agency for not entering

into negotiations for the vest.

I find it difficult to believe that grown men and women that are in leadership positions would pout and have

tantrums about staff safety, instead of supporting and embracing the idea of staff safety. My comment to

management is this: "I for one will play their silly games because I value my life even though they don’t." Also,

don’t be surprised if there aren’t managers standing in the lobby playing vest police.

There is also going to be sanctions for staff that are issued vests and forget to wear it. Initially you will be

charged leave to go home and get it for the first 10 days after issuing. Afterwards, disciplinary action will be

taken against staff for failure to wear protective equipment. This is the agencies way of punishing us for

pushing the envelope to ensure staff safety and making them spend money. I’m sure that the officer that was

stabbed 15 times at Coleman and another officer that was stabbed 5 times in Big Sandy would have been

thankful for the vests, prior to being violently assaulted!!

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HUMMMMM

"Leadership is solving problems. The day staff stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped

leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a

failure of leadership."

Stay Strong....Stay Safe.....Stay Union!!

DID YOU KNOW

This article was brought to my attention, so I thought I would share it with my brothers and sisters.

Justice Dept. Workers Visit Luxury Resorts

Federal Agency Hosts Conferences Costing Taxpayers Millions

By DAVID KERLEY

Oct. 29, 2008-

Should federal workers learn how to work with Congress while in Washington? While many think the answer

is yes, the Federal Bureau of Prisons seems to disagree. According to a new federal report, the Department of

Justice agency sent 15 employees to a Hilton village beach resort in Hawaii for a congressional seminar on how

to lobby the government effectively, on the taxpayer's tab, totaling $33,500. "When you're in Washington, it

would seem to me that you could have a seminar here on how to effectively lobby the federal government,

rather than shoot them four or five thousand miles away," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who spearheaded

the congressional report. The report, which was released early exclusively to ABC News, identifies thousands

of Department of Justice employees who have enjoyed food, drink and fancy resorts on the government's time

and the taxpayer's dollar.

Secretary/Chief Steward’s Corner - continued

By: Susan Mastin

According to the report's findings, the Justice Department sponsored a conference on gangs, nowhere near an

inner city, but at the exclusive Palm Springs La Quinta resort, famous for its golf courses and "death by

chocolate" body massages. The costs totaled more than $250,000. With the country in economic woes and the

government in the midst of managing a $700 billion rescue plan funded by taxpayer dollars to stabilize the

economy, Coburn says he found these trips extravagant. We are in a time in this country when we can't afford

excess, or double billing by workers who double dip," Coburn said. At a conference in Denver, 40 of nearly

100 Justice Department workers that were checked got reimbursed for meals, even though food was provided at

the conference. Coburn's report claims that, in 2006, a quarter of the Justice Department's workforce went to

conferences, which the senator describes as a "pattern of poor management." "We've found, over the last seven

years, $10 billion in pure waste," Coburn said. "We ought to be prudent with taxpayer money." Coburn also

acknowledged that it is Congress' responsibility to keep the federal agency in check.

"How does Congress let the Department of Justice mismanage $10 billion over the last six or seven years?"

Coburn asked of his colleagues' and his own negligence on the matter. The Justice Department calls some of

this report old information and told ABC News that conferences serve a legitimate purpose. "The Department

of Justice is committed to ensuring that policies and procedures regarding conferences are clear and consistent

and that spending is appropriate," they said in a statement to ABC News. "The Department has taken significant

measures to ensure we have adequate oversight and control in this area." Coburn questioned whether it was

appropriate for the Justice Department to charge for some of its services. The FBI advises Hollywood executives

on movies that depict federal agents, such as "The Kingdom," which made $50 million. "If they're going to be

advisory to the entertainment industry and they're going to use their technical expertise to do that, the

entertainment industry, the last time I looked, was making a lot of money," Coburn said. "Maybe they ought to

pay for it."

Managements in the Federal Bureau of Prisons want all the comforts and none of the responsibilities for the

mismanagement of this agency. Do more with less is a philosophy aimed only at the Bargaining Unit

Employee. There is no accountability in for management gross behavior in this agency. Please read the article

below and remind yourselves that every day in the institutions you're being deprived any addition staff

coverage. I encourage each recipient of the electronic transmission to write your Congressperson and Senator

about Fraud, Waste and Abuse at your institution.

SERVICE RECOGNITION

Congratulations to: Alan Negley for his 15 years with the Bureau.

AFGE Local 3955 E-Board

E. White Complex President

Custody

D. Clifford Exec. Vice-President

Food Services Ext. 7239/7240

P. Morelli Vice PresidentLockshop Ext. 5040

S. Mastin Secretary/Chief Steward/LMR

Psychology Ext. 6415/7384

M. Barnard Chief Steward, FCI

Medical Records Ext. 7155

G. Reid Treasurer/Steward Custody

AFGE BENEFITS

Union Privilege Legal ServiceProgram: 1-800-452-9425 or

1-800-993-8886

* Free 30-minute consultation

* Free document review

* Free follow-up services. If

your lawyer thinks a

telephone call or letter will

solve the problem, it will

be done for free.

 

* 30% discount on additional

services if they become

required.

* No enrollment charge or

annual fee.

Union MasterCard Program:

* No annual fee.

* Grace period option.

* Lower interest rates.

* No ATM or check fees.

* Free personalized card. Identifiesyou as an AFGE member.

* Toll-free customer service

access.

Union Member Mortgage andReal estate Program:

1-800-416-5786

* Flexible down payments

helps members into a home.

* Special help for the first-

LOCAL 3955 Stewards

 

F. Olivares R&D

G. White Custody

C. Brown Food Services

J. Colosimo Food Services

T. Brown Education

V. Fales Custody

D. Hubble Unit Management

P. Koestal Recreation

R. Lewis Custody

B. Hoyt Custody

J. Romero CMS

K. Romero Custody

K. Coleman Custody

Political Action Coordinator L. Ross

time buyer.

* Competitive rates at or

below national average.

* Refinance existing

mortgage.

* Save on real estate fees

when buying or selling a

home.

Union Privilege Discount

Pharmacy program:

* Discount mail-order

pharmacy that cut costs.

* May be used by the whole

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Justice Dept. Workers Visit Luxury Resorts

Federal Agency Hosts Conferences Costing Taxpayers Millions

By DAVID KERLEY
Oct. 29, 2008

 

Should federal workers learn how to work with Congress while in Washington?

While many think the answer is yes, the Federal Bureau of Prisons seems to disagree. According to a new federal report, the Department of Justice agency sent 15 employees to a Hilton village beach resort in Hawaii for a congressional seminar on how to lobby the government effectively, on the taxpayer's tab, totaling $33,500.

"When you're in Washington, it would seem to me that you could have a seminar here on how to effectively lobby the federal government, rather than shoot them four or five thousand miles away," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who spearheaded the congressional report.

The report, which was released early exclusively to ABC News, identifies thousands of Department of Justice employees who have enjoyed food, drink and fancy resorts on the government's time and the taxpayer's dollar.

According to the report's findings, the Justice Department sponsored a conference on gangs, nowhere near an inner city, but at the exclusive Palm Springs La Quinta resort, famous for its golf courses and "death by chocolate" body massages. The costs totaled more than $250,000.  

With the country in economic woes and the government in the midst of managing a $700 billion rescue plan funded by taxpayer dollars to stabilize the economy, Coburn says he found these trips extravagant.

"We are in a time in this country when we can't afford excess, or double billing by workers who double dip," Coburn said.

At a conference in Denver, 40 of nearly 100 Justice Department workers that were checked got reimbursed for meals, even though food was provided at the conference.

Coburn's report claims that, in 2006, a quarter of the Justice Department's workforce went to conferences, which the senator describes as a "pattern of poor management."

"We've found, over the last seven years, $10 billion in pure waste," Coburn said. "We ought to be prudent with taxpayer money."

Coburn also acknowledged that it is Congress' responsibility to keep the federal agency in check.

How does Congress let the Department of Justice mismanage $10 billion over the last six or seven years?" Coburn asked of his colleagues' and his own negligence on the matter.

The Justice Department calls some of this report old information and told ABC News that conferences serve a legitimate purpose.

"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that policies and procedures regarding conferences are clear and consistent and that spending is appropriate," they said in a statement to ABC News. "The Department has taken significant measures to ensure we have adequate oversight and control in this area."

Forum questioned whether it was appropriate for the Justice Department to charge for some of its services. The FBI advises Hollywood executives on movies that depict federal agents, such as "The Kingdom," which made $50 million.

"If they're going to be advisory to the entertainment industry and they're going to use their technical expertise to do that, the entertainment industry, the last time I looked, was making a lot of money," Coburn said. "Maybe they ought to pay for it."

 

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Obama Wrote Federal Staffers About His Goals

Workers at Seven Agencies Got Detailed Letters Before Election

 

 

By Carol D. Leonnig

Washington Post Staff Writer

In wooing federal employee votes on the eve of the election, Barack Obama wrote a series of letters to workers that offer detailed descriptions of how he intends to add muscle to specific government programs, give new power to bureaucrats and roll back some Bush administration policies.

View Only Top Items in This Story

The letters, sent to employees at seven agencies, describe Obama's intention to scale back on contracts to private firms doing government work, to remove censorship from scientific research, and to champion tougher industry regulation to protect workers and the environment. He made it clear that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would have an enhanced role in restoring public confidence in the housing market, shaken because of the ongoing mortgage crisis.

Using more specifics than he did on the campaign trail, Obama said he would add staff to erase the backlog of Social Security disability claims. He said he would help Transportation Security Administration officers obtain the same bargaining rights and workplace protections as other federal workers. He even expressed a desire to protect the Environmental Protection Agency's library system, which the Bush administration tried to eliminate.

"I asked him to put it in writing, something I could use with my members, and he didn't flinch," said John Gage, president of the 600,000-member American Federation of Government Employees, who requested that Obama write the letters, which were distributed through the union. "The fact that he's willing to put his name to it is a good sign."

The letters, all but one written Oct. 20, reveal a candidate adeptly tailoring his message to a federal audience and tapping into many workers' dismay at funding cuts and workforce downsizing in the Bush years. Many of Obama's promises would require additional funding, something he acknowledged would be difficult to achieve under the current economic conditions.

Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said the letters were intended to communicate to federal workers his position on their agencies.

In a letter to Labor Department employees, Obama wrote: "I believe that it's time we stopped talking about family values and start pursuing policies that truly value families, such as paid family leave, flexible work schedules, and telework, with the federal government leading by example."

Obama wrote to employees in the departments of Labor, Defense, Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Affairs, along with the TSA, the EPA and the Social Security Administration. Defense was the only area in which he did not make promises requiring additional spending, the letters show.

Some worry that Obama may have overpromised, with program changes and worker benefits that would be impossible to achieve. "That strikes me as smart politics," said Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. "We'll soon find out if he can deliver when he has to deliver his first budget."

Obama repeatedly echoed in his correspondence the longstanding lament of federal workers -- that the Bush administration starved their agencies of staff and money to the point where they could not do their jobs.

In his letter to Labor Department employees, Obama said Bush appointees had thwarted the agency's mission of keeping workers safe, especially in mines. "Our mine safety program will have the staffing . . . needed to get the job done," he wrote.

Obama lamented to EPA staffers that Americans' health and the planet have been "jeopardized outright" because of "inadequate funding" and "the failed leadership of the past eight years, despite the strong and ongoing commitment of the career individuals throughout this agency."

In his letter to Defense Department workers, Obama said he would examine flaws in pay and evaluation systems, but offered no high-cost initiatives.

Ruch said that if Obama cuts Pentagon spending, he will not have to work hard to help the other six agencies.

"These domestic discretionary programs are peanuts in the grand scale of things," Ruch said. "A small diversion from the Iraq conflict, if they were put into Interior, EPA or NASA, those agencies would be in their salad days. The National Park Service is laboring under a [maintenance] backlog that would be cured by a month and a half of Iraq expenditures."

While pledging money to some agencies, Obama also acknowledged that some cuts may be unavoidable.

"Because of the fiscal mess left behind by the current Administration, we will need to look carefully at all departments and programs," he wrote to HUD workers.

Gage said Obama would cut deeply into agencies he finds lacking, and the National Taxpayers Union says there is plenty of opportunity for savings. Congress last year refused to consider a 25 percent cut for 220 federal programs the government rated as ineffective, passing up a savings of $17 billion a year. Obama did not vote on the measure while he was a senator from Illinois.

His letter to HUD employees suggests a resurgence of the huge housing agency. Obama insisted that "HUD must be part of the solution" to the housing crisis and to keeping an estimated 5.4 million more families from losing homes in foreclosure. Several HUD employees cheered Obama's letter, saying they hoped one particular line foreshadowed the end of political appointees who didn't care or know much about