Some Union Rights Also Affected

One area where the proposed government-wide policy would depart from the DoD/DHS model involves union rights. Unlike at those agencies, unions would keep their current right to negotiate over personnel rules, work assignment procedures and the introduction of new technology. However, bargaining would not be required over actions to prepare for or prevent an emergency, over pay-for-performance or “minor” changes in working conditions. Also, union representation would not be required at meetings with groups of employees if the purpose of the meeting is “operational.” Union rights, along with the design of the pay for performance system, have proven to be the most controversial aspects of the pending DoD and DHS systems.