The union's response to the agency's statement of position

Within 15 days of receiving the agency's statement of position, the union must file a response. This may be done on a form or on plain paper. The union must give reasons why the agency's arguments are incorrect. If the agency claims that the proposal or provision violates management rights, the union is required to identify and explain any exceptions that apply, such as that the proposal or provision is an electively negotiable topic, a negotiable procedure or a negotiable appropriate arrangement. If the agency has made bargaining obligation claims, the union should respond to those. Essentially, the union should answer the agency's arguments. In addition, the union may ask for severance, if it has not already done so. The union must mail or deliver a copy of the response to the agency head and the agency's representative.