FRINGE BENEFITS

FRINGE BENEFITS . . . SHOPPING PRIVILEGES AT BASE EXCHANGE

Department of the Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall AFB, Florida and Local 3240, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Case No. 01 FSIP 193, December 18, 2001 (Release No. 445).

The UNION proposed that nonappropriated fund (NAF) employees be permitted to shop at the Base Exchange (BX).

The AGENCY asked the Panel to order the Union to withdraw its proposal because it conflicted with a Department of Defense policy that doesn't authorize NAF employees BX shopping privileges. Additionally, the Agency maintained it lacked control over the BX and could not authorize NAF employees BX privileges.

The PANEL ordered the following:

To the extent the Employer possesses such authority, regular full-time NAF employees shall be entitled to all privileges at the Base Exchange, except for purchase of articles of uniform and State tax-free items. Dependents of this patron category are authorized to enter exchanges, but are not authorized to make purchases.

FRINGE BENEFITS . . . HEALTHCARE PREMIUMS

Department of the Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall AFB, Florida and Local 3240, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Case No. 01 FSIP 193, December 18, 2001 (Release No. 445).

The UNION proposed that the Agency pay at least 75% of the employees' group insurance premium for calendar year 2001 and at least 85% for calendar year 2002.

The AGENCY maintained that it had no duty to bargain over neither the calendar year 2002 portion of the Union's proposal because it was in conflict with applicable law and DoD policy, nor the calendar year 2001 portion of the proposal because the year was nearly over, rendering it moot. Accordingly, the Agency asked the Panel to order the Union to withdraw its proposal.

The PANEL ordered the following:

The Union shall withdraw the portion of its proposal addressing CY 2001.

In CY 2002, the Employer shall contribute 75 percent of the total group insurance premium unless the Union receives a decision from the FLRA finding that a proposal which exceeds DOD guidelines is negotiable. In that event, at its discretion, the Union may reopen negotiations and propose a higher percentage of contribution from the Employer at such time.

FRINGE BENEFITS . . . PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

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 210, December 12, 2001 (Release No. 445).

The UNION proposed that the Agency reimburse qualified employees for 50% of the professional liability insurance premium (PLI).

The AGENCY proposed to continue to reimburse employees for up to 50% of the PLI premium or $115.00, whichever is less.

The PANEL ordered the parties to adopt the following:

The Employer shall reimburse one-half of the premiums that qualified employees pay for PLI. Either party may seek to renegotiate this issue after [two] years.