The AFGE union has said that now that a change in law doubling the standard probationary period for newly hired employees at DoD is now in effect, its locals in the department should seek to bargain over how it is carried out.
DoD recently said that the change to a two-year period will apply to those hired into permanent positions in the competitive service or into the career SES on or after November 26, 2015, the effective date of the change in the law. Those hired before that date will continue to complete a one-year period, if they haven’t already.
AFGE said its locals will be asking for the names of the employees affected and will request that management provide written notice to each stating when their period ends and when they will be eligible for a within-grade increase if their performance is satisfactory. It also will be asking for assurance that employees transferring from another agency who have completed a probationary period there will not be required to complete another.
Also, it said, locals should ask for notices regarding lack of appeal rights for adverse actions taken during probation; a notice explaining the right of probationary employees to have a union official present at any meeting that may lead to disciplinary action; a meeting between supervisors and probationary employees, with a union official present, to discuss training and career development; and training for supervisors on how to best use the additional time and use effective performance management practices.
