Consolidation and restructuring

WIthin IFPTE, there are currently about a dozen local unions that represent USACE employees in bargaining units recognized by the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Some of them have only one bargaining unit, while others have multiple and even span multiple agencies and therefore have one or more USACE chapters. In addition, there are multiple organizing committees sponsored by a few IFPTE locals that are in various stages of working toward an election to obtain FLRA recognition. The units of USACE workers range in size from a few dozen to over a thousand.

Constraints on this method of organization include an inability to share leadership roles between local unions (and sometimes even between chapters within a local) which is because our locals are separate non-profit entities and have separate charters from the IFPTE; inability to represent each other's workers (sometimes even inability to represent workers in other bargaining units represented by the same local or chapter) which is because units with FLRA recognition cannot currently bargain for "official time" to represent workers outside of thier unit under current case law. Finally, we cannot currently establish "full membership" in our respective local unions for organizing committees until they have secured FLRA recognition of a bargaining unit.

Potential change #2: consolidation. A consolidated local would be able to consolidate some of the tasks and jobs at an overarching level, which would free new volunteers to focus on the needs in their bargaining unit, and not be worried about being saddled with the weight of the entire local union. The pool of volunteers willing to serve in the overarching roles would be broader, and therefore less likely to be affected by a "lull" in membership in any given unit.

Currently, locals that represent USACE workers generally have a "chapter" for each bargaining unit the local represents. This means that there are elected officers at the bargaining unit level, which preserves control at the level closest to the shop floor; but can result in needing more volunteers to fill these roles.

Potential change: The current vision for a consolidated local would not have "chapters" or otherwise have sub-units requiring a slate of officers. However, each bargaining unit (and at-large associate members) would elect "lead" volunteers in the three focus areas of representation, advocacy, and organizing. These lead stewards, lead advocates, and lead organizers would focus on issues in thier own bargaining units primarily, including recriuting and training volunteers to help carry out thier responsibilities. The entire membership would elect an executive board that could come from any bargaining unit, to oversee the local's responsibilities as a whole.

What would this process look like?

The process of changing the union that is certified by the FLRA to represent a bargaining unit is handled by making a petition to the FLRA, which they call a "Montrose" Petition. To succeed, the due process rights of the members of the existing units must be met:

• A special meeting of the local union must be held, with the consolidation as the only topic of business.

• A secret ballot must be conducted among all qualified members, per bargaining unit.

• The ballot must explain the "choices inherent" in the proposed consolidation.

Once the vote is complete; the local(s) with bargaining unit(s) voting for consolidation would file petition(s) with the FLRA. 

What would change, and when?

Immediately after a successful vote:

• The existing Local 777 legal and public relations retainers would include the members of the affected bargaining unit(s).

• Plans would be firmed up on leadership and financial transitions.

Upon FLRA Certification of Local 777 as the Exclusive Representative in a Bargaining Unit:

• Members would become full voting members of Local 777. 

• Officers would assume their Local 777 titles and responsibilities.

• Financial and Reporting obligations of the previous local(s) would be closed out if there are no remaining bargaining units served by that local.

At an agreed-upon point in time after FLRA Certification, members fromt he consolidated unit(s) would pay Local 777 dues rates (currently 0.5%, but the Local 777 Bylaws could be amended. Time to discuss/amend the bylaws would be allowed before this would take effect.)