UNIFORMS

UNIFORMS . . . EXTRAS . . . USE OF DUTY TIME TO EXCHANGE

Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, Virginia National Guard, Blackstone, Virginia and Southside Chapter, Association of Civilian Technicians, Case Nos. 01 FSIP 89 and 01 FSIP 91, June 25, 2001 (Release No. 441).

The UNION proposed that the Agency provide each technician with two extra uniforms and allow technicians to exchange uniforms while on duty.

The AGENCY proposed that the parties maintain the status quo, i.e., no extra uniforms "and employees are not permitted to use duty time for travel to order or exchange uniforms."

The PANEL ordered the parties to adopt the following:

In addition to uniforms issued to technicians in their military capacity, for each technician required to wear the military uniform, the Employer agrees to provide two additional complete sets (blouse, pants, undershirt) of Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) or two complete sets (shirts, pants or skirts, undershirts or blazers) of Class A or B uniforms as applicable to the technician's duties. The Employer agrees to provide shoes or boots as appropriate. Safety footwear and additional safety items will be issued IAW Article 16 of this agreement. The Employer also agrees to provide other required uniform items and accessories to be worn with the military uniform (hats, belts, etc.). Thereafter uniform and uniform items will be replaced on a fair wear and tear basis. Individual technicians will order replacement uniforms through their supply unit sergeant by the first drill weekend following the date that the uniform becomes unserviceable. Technicians will also be allowed duty time to phone or fax in their orders for replacement uniforms. Replacement of uniforms or uniform items on a fair wear and tear basis will be accomplished as soon as possible but usually not later than the next drill weekend following placement of the order. If a technician does not receive replacement uniforms in a timely manner, he/she should raise the issue to his/her first line supervisor who should attempt to resolve any problems as soon as possible. Additionally, each technician has the responsibility for notifying the chain of command for their unit of assignment of any delays. [Only the bolded wording was in dispute.]

UNIFORMS . . . COVERALLS

Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Washington, D.C. and National Border Patrol Council, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Case No. 01 FSIP 81, August 9, 2001 (Release No. 442).

The UNION proposed that "'when service canine handler agents are required to perform duties that can reasonably be expected to soil their uniforms, such as crawling under vehicles..., the Service shall provide coveralls (jumpsuits) to wear over the uniform, and shall maintain them in a clean condition.'"

The AGENCY proposed that the Panel order the Union to withdraw its proposal because it deals with a matter cover by the parties' expired master collective bargaining agreement (MCBA) and negotiations on a successor MCBA are ongoing.

The PANEL ordered the UNION to withdraw its proposal.

UNIFORMS . . . COLOR . . . STYLE

Department of Veterans Affairs, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, Colorado and Local 2241, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Case No. 01 FSIP 117, August 13, 2001 (Release No. 442).

The UNION proposed that "housekeepers keep the uniform style and color they are currently wearing; engineering personnel, excluding painters and bio-med personnel, ...would be provided new uniforms consisting of burgundy shirts, charcoal pants, and jackets."

The AGENCY proposed that "all...employees within FMS [Facilities Management Service] wear the same color/style uniform; sections within FMS would be distinguished through embroidered lettering above the pocket."

The PANEL ordered the parties to adopt the following:

The Union and management agree that housekeeping will retain the uniform they are now wearing. Engineering, excluding painters and bio-med personnel, will be provided with new uniforms with a color choice of burgundy shirts and charcoal pants.