From Colleen Kelley: As some of you have heard by now, IRS has decided to delay issuing these awards in this pay period due to the many, many errors that chapter leaders brought to our attention within hours of seeing the data management gave us. The latest management decision is to issue them in pay period 19, which would have the money in the pay checks that go out October 11. Of course, I would not rely on that too heavily. Based on the analysis chapters did and what the national staff did afterwards, we believe there were several errors made in the production of the recent data by management. However, management still seems to think that there was only one system error and when it is corrected, everything will fall into place. Frankly, I doubt that very much.
Aside from alerting our members that the awards money they expected to be in their accounts next week will not be there, I also ask that you remind them that NTEU has told management from the beginning of the current system that the agency would never be able to administer the system correctly. So far, we have been proven correct every year since the system was implemented. This morning as Buggs was telling us what they have been able to learn about what management did and how soon he hoped to get it corrected, I took the opportunity to remind him that we never had significant problems under the old system where awards were based on local union-management agreements. I also told him that once management is ready to enter into a fair set of ground rules we will do everything we can to redesign the system so that management can not only administer it, but so that employees know in advance what they need to do to get an award.
Based on what we know so far, had management paid awards based on the current data, entire chapters would not have received a cent, hundreds of employees would have received duplicate awards and been liable for repaying them, and probably thousands would have received the wrong amount due to being in the wrong pool or would not have received an award to which they are entitled.
I will keep you updated on developments on this important issue.
Please let employees know about the change in the payment date of awards under NPAA, and of the reason why --- IRS errors that were identified by NTEU chapters.
9/18/07
Latest on Awards!
Awards update - IRS Messes it up as usual! This message is from Colleen Kelley: This is a followup to my emails late last week about the problems with the awards data provided by the IRS. We pulled the NPAA 07 data off the web site because chapters were finding so many errors with it. In a perfect world, all we should have to do with the data file the IRS sends us is break it into separate files for chapters. Unfortunately, we have never been so lucky under the award system IRS insisted we put in place in 2002. So far, we have found many of the normal errors indicating that not everyone was paid correctly, but also that the data on entire chapters is missing, many employees are labeled as being in one division when other data provided by the IRS has them in another division, the pools cannot be reconstructed, etc. When management insisted in 2002 that we replace the local awards system with a national program, we told them they would not be able to run it correctly. However, even I expected that after three years they would finally get it down right. They now have a five-year record of being unable to avoid even the huge mistakes. So, let me just end by passing on that there is a “high-level” meeting in AWSS tomorrow to try to figure out what happened. I will let you know what we learn from that.
Colleen M. Kelley
National President
Colleen M. Kelley
National President
8/8/07
WINNER!
Chapter 32 President Mary J. Wright announced Monday (8/6/07) that Chapter 32 has won the NTEU National newsletter competition, for chapters of our size. Since these constitute a fairly high percentage of all NTEU chapters, our chapter can hold it's head high and proud in the information effort. We take a great deal of pride here at 32 in using many methods of keeping our members abreast of the latest developments, and we appreciate the support we get from our membership in this effort.
Elections
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, marked a good day for NTEU, as both Colleen Kelley and Frank Ferris were overwhelmingly reelected to a third 4-year term as President and Exec. VP of NTEU. Chapter 32 campaigned for them, Colleen especially, and it appears we will have another 4 years of good progressive leadership.
7/19/07
Hockey, Anyone?
The Colorado Avalanche 2007-2008 season will be quickly upon us. Our Avalanche ticket representative Sarah Feldman has information on their new 14 game ticket packages and season tickets. (see below) If you are interested in these packages, contact Sarah now for the best seating options before they do their big marketing push.
We will get additional information on single game tickets as the season draws closer. We will have an opportunity to purchase single game tickets before they are made available to the public.
As the season progresses we will receive special offers on 2 to 3 specific games each month.
THE OFFER:
Buy any Colorado Avalanche 14-game package and receive the Pittsburgh game for FREE!
In the past we have only been able to offer the popular 14-game package in either the upper level corner or upper level center areas of the arena. However, we are proud to announce that this season we have held a limited number of tickets in the LOWER level that will be available for the 14-game package! The lower level tickets for this promotion are extremely limited and will sell out fast .
Full Season Tickets: Great seat locations are available in various areas of the arena including lower level, club level, and upper level.
Half Season Partner Plan: Can’t make it to all of the games? We will match you up with a partner who would is looking for tickets in the same price range.
For specific pricing and seating options please call Sarah Feldman at 303-405-1376 or by
Email: sfeldman@pepsicenter.com
We will get additional information on single game tickets as the season draws closer. We will have an opportunity to purchase single game tickets before they are made available to the public.
As the season progresses we will receive special offers on 2 to 3 specific games each month.
THE OFFER:
Buy any Colorado Avalanche 14-game package and receive the Pittsburgh game for FREE!
In the past we have only been able to offer the popular 14-game package in either the upper level corner or upper level center areas of the arena. However, we are proud to announce that this season we have held a limited number of tickets in the LOWER level that will be available for the 14-game package! The lower level tickets for this promotion are extremely limited and will sell out fast .
Full Season Tickets: Great seat locations are available in various areas of the arena including lower level, club level, and upper level.
Half Season Partner Plan: Can’t make it to all of the games? We will match you up with a partner who would is looking for tickets in the same price range.
For specific pricing and seating options please call Sarah Feldman at 303-405-1376 or by
Email: sfeldman@pepsicenter.com
7/9/07
NTEU Recognizes Our Service Men & Women!
To allembers and families:
For months this union has proudly featured NTEU members and their relatives who have selflessly served their country, not only through their daily jobs, but also through military service in the Reserves or National Guard. (These are posted in the Bullletin and on the NTEU web site.)
As NTEU celebrates another Independence Day, it is important we keep in mind the dedication and perseverance shown by numerous members of the NTEU family who serve their country, both in their military and civilian lives.
For us to keep the popular “Members in the Military” tribute web site updated with the most up-to-date information, we need your help. If the information of anyone currently profiled on the web site has changed (promotion in rank, new deployment orders, moved to a new city/town, etc.), NTEU wants to know about it. Also, if any other chapter members would like their military service — or that of a family member — recognized, please forward the information, including photos, as soon as possible.
All submissions should be sent electronically to NTEU-PR@nteu.org or by mail to NTEU Public Relations, 1750 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. Also, please copy Chapter 32 at Nteu032@aol.com .
For months this union has proudly featured NTEU members and their relatives who have selflessly served their country, not only through their daily jobs, but also through military service in the Reserves or National Guard. (These are posted in the Bullletin and on the NTEU web site.)
As NTEU celebrates another Independence Day, it is important we keep in mind the dedication and perseverance shown by numerous members of the NTEU family who serve their country, both in their military and civilian lives.
For us to keep the popular “Members in the Military” tribute web site updated with the most up-to-date information, we need your help. If the information of anyone currently profiled on the web site has changed (promotion in rank, new deployment orders, moved to a new city/town, etc.), NTEU wants to know about it. Also, if any other chapter members would like their military service — or that of a family member — recognized, please forward the information, including photos, as soon as possible.
All submissions should be sent electronically to NTEU-PR@nteu.org or by mail to NTEU Public Relations, 1750 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. Also, please copy Chapter 32 at Nteu032@aol.com .
6/29/07
Good News Today!
House Approves 3.5% Pay Raise
in 2008; Votes to Limit Contracting
Washington D.C.—The House of Representatives today approved a 3.5 percent pay increase for federal civilian employees and voted against an attempt to remove legislative language that imposes limits on federal contracting as lawmakers passed the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for fiscal 2008.
The NTEU-supported 3.5 percent pay increase for federal employees matches the amount previously approved by the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee for members of the military.
President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) lauded the House vote. “Fair pay is the single most important factor toward recruiting and retaining quality federal employees,” she said. “It also would represent a small, but important, step in closing the pay gap between public and private sector employees, estimated at about 13 percent.”
In years past, federal employees and members of the military have received pay increases equal to the Employment Cost Index (ECI), plus one-half of one percent. Using that formula would lead to a raise of 3.5 percent for next fiscal year, not the 3 percent proposed by the administration. NTEU also secured language ensuring that administration efforts to change pay systems at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DOD) would not prevent the 3.5 percent January pay raise for employees in those departments.
In addition to a pay hike, the approved legislation levels the playing field in federal contracting out competitions despite an attempt on the floor to remove the provisions from the bill. The attempt was defeated 268 to 158. It expands federal employee appeal rights in A-76 procedures, giving them the same rights presently enjoyed by private contractors to appeal agency decisions privatizing federal work. NTEU has long argued that federal workers should have the same right to appeal to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – as an independent decision-maker – that private contractors have. Under present contracting rules, federal employees are limited to an appeal within their agency; the same agency which makes the A-76 decision in the first place.
The bill’s language also precludes private companies from reducing employee health benefits, or offering inferior retirement benefits, in order to reduce costs on their final contract bid. Finally, the legislation mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cannot require or direct agencies to undertake A-76 competitions. The bill makes these provisions permanent changes in law.
in 2008; Votes to Limit Contracting
Washington D.C.—The House of Representatives today approved a 3.5 percent pay increase for federal civilian employees and voted against an attempt to remove legislative language that imposes limits on federal contracting as lawmakers passed the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for fiscal 2008.
The NTEU-supported 3.5 percent pay increase for federal employees matches the amount previously approved by the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee for members of the military.
President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) lauded the House vote. “Fair pay is the single most important factor toward recruiting and retaining quality federal employees,” she said. “It also would represent a small, but important, step in closing the pay gap between public and private sector employees, estimated at about 13 percent.”
In years past, federal employees and members of the military have received pay increases equal to the Employment Cost Index (ECI), plus one-half of one percent. Using that formula would lead to a raise of 3.5 percent for next fiscal year, not the 3 percent proposed by the administration. NTEU also secured language ensuring that administration efforts to change pay systems at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DOD) would not prevent the 3.5 percent January pay raise for employees in those departments.
In addition to a pay hike, the approved legislation levels the playing field in federal contracting out competitions despite an attempt on the floor to remove the provisions from the bill. The attempt was defeated 268 to 158. It expands federal employee appeal rights in A-76 procedures, giving them the same rights presently enjoyed by private contractors to appeal agency decisions privatizing federal work. NTEU has long argued that federal workers should have the same right to appeal to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – as an independent decision-maker – that private contractors have. Under present contracting rules, federal employees are limited to an appeal within their agency; the same agency which makes the A-76 decision in the first place.
The bill’s language also precludes private companies from reducing employee health benefits, or offering inferior retirement benefits, in order to reduce costs on their final contract bid. Finally, the legislation mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cannot require or direct agencies to undertake A-76 competitions. The bill makes these provisions permanent changes in law.
6/22/07
Play Ball!!!
Hey Members!
The Rockies are HOT, HOT , HOT
The Chapter still has vouchers for Rockie's tickets. For $12.00 you can purchase a voucher which can be exchanged for a seat at Coors Field. The vouchers are good for every upcoming game except July 3 and 4th and August 9-12.
To purchase, just let us know by email (*NTEU Chapter 32) or phone (303-446-1700)_that you would like tickets and stop by the union office and pick up the vouchers!
See you at the ballgame!
The Rockies are HOT, HOT , HOT
The Chapter still has vouchers for Rockie's tickets. For $12.00 you can purchase a voucher which can be exchanged for a seat at Coors Field. The vouchers are good for every upcoming game except July 3 and 4th and August 9-12.
To purchase, just let us know by email (*NTEU Chapter 32) or phone (303-446-1700)_that you would like tickets and stop by the union office and pick up the vouchers!
See you at the ballgame!
6/21/07
FMLA Trouble?
If you have recently attempted to apply for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), your physician may not have been aware of the need to be completely thorough about making sure you have the time you need to recover or for treatment, or to care for a family member. Chapter 32 has a new tool, a letter you can take to the doctors to instruct them as to what you need to be granted for the time involved. This instruction will assure that the medical professional puts the correct amount of time you'll need, and keep the agency from the possibility of charging you AWOL for any time not covered by the FMLA certificate. Chapter 32 recommends that you talk to us if you are applying for FMLA coverage. NTEU is ready to help, and make sure your rights are insured. See your Steward of the Chapter 32 office today.
6/7/07
We need your help!
SUMMARY: IMMEDIATE ACTION NECESSARY. Join the fight to help TSA employees have the collective bargaining rights they deserve and that are enjoyed by other federal employees.
Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have been denied collective bargaining rights based upon an administrative determination that granting such rights would compromise national security.
Recognizing the unfairness of this determination, as part of the legislation implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, Congress approved legislation granting collective bargaining rights to TSA employees.
In anticipation of a Presidential veto of this legislation because it includes the right of TSA employees to bargain collectively, we need your help. Attached is a petition we plan to deliver to the White House urging the President not to reject this important piece of nation security legislation and not to deny TSA employees the right to collectively bargain.
We urge you to write, call or e-mail youe Senators and Congressional representatives asking for their support and to override any veto of this important legislation. Also, please look for petitions in the workplace, and sign them. This will be a difficult battle and every signature counts.
Please remember, this veto is the latest salvo in the war on Federal Employee Unions, and we need to suppport our brothers and sisters in TSA. Remember, it CAN happen to us, too.
Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have been denied collective bargaining rights based upon an administrative determination that granting such rights would compromise national security.
Recognizing the unfairness of this determination, as part of the legislation implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, Congress approved legislation granting collective bargaining rights to TSA employees.
In anticipation of a Presidential veto of this legislation because it includes the right of TSA employees to bargain collectively, we need your help. Attached is a petition we plan to deliver to the White House urging the President not to reject this important piece of nation security legislation and not to deny TSA employees the right to collectively bargain.
We urge you to write, call or e-mail youe Senators and Congressional representatives asking for their support and to override any veto of this important legislation. Also, please look for petitions in the workplace, and sign them. This will be a difficult battle and every signature counts.
Please remember, this veto is the latest salvo in the war on Federal Employee Unions, and we need to suppport our brothers and sisters in TSA. Remember, it CAN happen to us, too.
6/5/07
Website Alert
One-Hour Service Disruption Expected Friday on NTEU's Web sites NTEU's web sites will be down from 7 to 8 p.m. EDT, this Friday, June 8, so that we can perform server maintenance. NTEU's web sites include www.NTEU.org, www.DHSunion.org and www.nteuIRSwatch.org.
5/18/07
We Really are still here
Noticed something (somebody) missing around the office lately? Like your friendly local Steward, maybe? It's because many of us are at the NTEU National Spring Training sessions, held annually in various cities around the US. The spring training is designed to bring all the Chapter Leaders from around the country together to get up to speed on the latest info, what's happening in DC and ways we can improve our service to our members. The sessions provide a valuable way for those of us outside the Beltway to give feedback and ideas to our national staff, including National President Colleen Kelley and National Executive VP Frank Ferris. We get a chance to tell them what you tell us, and get the inside scoop on things we are doing to make your worklife easier. If you need a Steward and can't find your usual contact, please stop by the Chapter 32 office on 3N in Dominion, or call us at 303-446-1700. We're ready to help YOU!
5/15/07
Pay Raise
What's Good for the Military...Washington Post, May 2, 2007The 2008 pay raise appears to be taking shape.
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Click here
The House Armed Services Committee included a 3.5 percent raise for the military in the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, and Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), the House majority leader, announced he will urge other House leaders to provide an equal increase for civil service employees.The House approved the Homeland Security bill on a 296 to 126 vote Wednesday. The bill includes a provision that would grant law-enforcement status for purposes of determining retirement benefits to certain Customs and Border Protection officers. The administration has objected, citing the cost of providing more attractive retirement benefits.
Colleen M. Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said the veto threat "shows that this administration is willing to put its animosity toward fair treatment for workers over the interest of national security."
Want More Headlines?
Click here
The House Armed Services Committee included a 3.5 percent raise for the military in the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, and Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), the House majority leader, announced he will urge other House leaders to provide an equal increase for civil service employees.The House approved the Homeland Security bill on a 296 to 126 vote Wednesday. The bill includes a provision that would grant law-enforcement status for purposes of determining retirement benefits to certain Customs and Border Protection officers. The administration has objected, citing the cost of providing more attractive retirement benefits.
Colleen M. Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said the veto threat "shows that this administration is willing to put its animosity toward fair treatment for workers over the interest of national security."
5/13/07
NEW! on nteu.org
NTEU recently unveiled new features on NTEU.org, including pages on contracting out, NTEU media hits, the proposed FDA lab closings and restructuring, and NTEU members and their families serving in the military. All of these pages are available to the public and can be accessed by visiting the NTEU homepage at www.NTEU.org. We encourage you to promote these pages among NTEU members and nonmembers alike, and to visit the NTEU homepage often.
Survey Nessage from Colleen Kelley, National President
May 11, 2007
A Message from the NTEU National President On the 2007 IRS Survey:
After numerous conversations with NTEU leaders and IRS employees, I am writing to express some thoughts about the IRS survey process. I recently received an e-mail from an NTEU leader that said he had a good boss at the IRS and wanted to let the agency know that. He intended to do so by taking the survey.
I am sharing this because it occurred to me that many of you may feel the same way or some of you may feel the opposite way about your manager. In both cases, it is a good idea to take the survey and let the IRS know. Question 5 on the survey asks if you have “trust and confidence” in your supervisor, while Question 6 asks you to rate “how good a job” your supervisor is doing.
By the same token, if you feel that the issues are with senior leadership, training, resources or performance appraisals. There are questions that address those issues as well. And, if your particular question is not addressed, there is an opportunity to write in your views.
I thought long and hard about asking you to take the survey this year. Boycotting the survey was a way for each of you individually to express your anger and frustration about how the IRS has been treating employees. I recognize that there is a lot of frustration and anger over the last several years about how employees have been treated; whether you have the tools, resources and support to do your jobs; and whether the agency views its workforce as the asset it is or would rather contract out your jobs to private companies. All of those feelings are justified. I ask that you focus this justified anger at the IRS, vocalize it and document it by answering the survey with candid answers.
I believe we made our point by boycotting the survey over the last two years. Now I think it is time to try a new approach.
In our struggle to improve working conditions at the IRS, there is a chance that these survey results can make a difference. I do not expect miracles, but I do see opportunities for NTEU to use this information to make positive changes for IRS employees. When I receive the survey results, I will look carefully at your responses. I will keep you informed about this process at every step, as will your chapter leaders. Thank you as always for your support for NTEU. Together, we will continue to make a difference.
A Message from the NTEU National President On the 2007 IRS Survey:
After numerous conversations with NTEU leaders and IRS employees, I am writing to express some thoughts about the IRS survey process. I recently received an e-mail from an NTEU leader that said he had a good boss at the IRS and wanted to let the agency know that. He intended to do so by taking the survey.
I am sharing this because it occurred to me that many of you may feel the same way or some of you may feel the opposite way about your manager. In both cases, it is a good idea to take the survey and let the IRS know. Question 5 on the survey asks if you have “trust and confidence” in your supervisor, while Question 6 asks you to rate “how good a job” your supervisor is doing.
By the same token, if you feel that the issues are with senior leadership, training, resources or performance appraisals. There are questions that address those issues as well. And, if your particular question is not addressed, there is an opportunity to write in your views.
I thought long and hard about asking you to take the survey this year. Boycotting the survey was a way for each of you individually to express your anger and frustration about how the IRS has been treating employees. I recognize that there is a lot of frustration and anger over the last several years about how employees have been treated; whether you have the tools, resources and support to do your jobs; and whether the agency views its workforce as the asset it is or would rather contract out your jobs to private companies. All of those feelings are justified. I ask that you focus this justified anger at the IRS, vocalize it and document it by answering the survey with candid answers.
I believe we made our point by boycotting the survey over the last two years. Now I think it is time to try a new approach.
In our struggle to improve working conditions at the IRS, there is a chance that these survey results can make a difference. I do not expect miracles, but I do see opportunities for NTEU to use this information to make positive changes for IRS employees. When I receive the survey results, I will look carefully at your responses. I will keep you informed about this process at every step, as will your chapter leaders. Thank you as always for your support for NTEU. Together, we will continue to make a difference.
5/8/07
New Member Benefit - Discount Rockies Tickets
Rockies Discount Ticket Vouchers Now Available!Chapter 032 is pleased to announce a new local benefit available for NTEU members. Discount ticket vouchers for the Colorado Rockies are now available to be purchased from the Chapter office for only $12.00 each!
These ticket vouchers can then be exchanged for a game ticket in the Outfield box, Pavilion (left field), or Upper Reserved Infield seating areas. These vouchers may be exchanged by our members for tickets to any 'value' or 'premium' game. The tickets you receive in exchange have a regular price of $18-$36 depending on ticket location and game. (Exclusions would be the Cubs, Cardinals, and Yankees series as well as the Fireworks games July 3rd and 4th.)
The Outfield Box seats are located in sections 110-117 and 144-150.
The Pavilion seats are sections 151-160.
The Upper Infield Reserved are in sections 321-340
Stadium map: http://ev9.evenue.net/evenue/linkID=rockies-st/images/maps/map-CF2006.gif
We received some vouchers from the Rockies last week, but we discovered there was a problem with how the Rockies had them encoded. They have re-programmed some of their ticketing software and also reprinted the vouchers with proper coding. The Rockies regret the inconvenience and delay, but it was important to correct the error to ensure the integrity of the discount offer.
Each voucher has a unique certificate code listed on it. If your Rockies ticket representative has difficulty completing the transaction, please remind them each certificate number much be entered individually if you are exchanging more than one voucher.
These vouchers can be exchanged at the Coors Field box office or at the Rockies Dug Out stores.
Anyone who wants to take advantage of this fantastic benefit can contact the chapter office at 303-446-1700 or mailto:ntnteu032@aol.com. You can also stop by the chapter office on the third floor of Dominion Plaza North Tower. If you are at an outlying POD, please make your check or money order out to NTEU, Chapter 32. Advise the chapter of your interest and that your order is being sent, by sending an email to nteu032@aol.com. Then, Mail your remittance to NTEU, Chapter 32/Rockies, PO Box 1617, Denver, CO 80201.See you and your family at Coors Field!
5/7/07
Address Changed?
It is important to note that NTEU is not informed by an agency when a member submits a change of address to that agency. Unless the member or the chapter contacts NTEU or uses the Personal Contact Information area of www.NTEU.org, all mail from NTEU will continue to be addressed to the “old” address. Please help us keep up to date on your address and other information, INCLUDING your home e-mail. Go to the NTEU national web site to make your changes, or contact the Chapter 32 office. Haven't registered at nteu.org yet? Click on the national website and follow the links to register NOW!!
5/4/07
Rockies Tix Update
From David Larkin (our discount Wizard)
After receiving the vouchers for the Rockies, I attempted to exchange a voucher yesterday. We discovered there was a problem with how the Rockies had them set up. They need to re-program some of their ticketing software and also reprint the vouchers with proper coding. They will not have replacements available until Tuesday May 8th or Wednesday May 9th. I will put out an email as soon as we receive them.
The Rockies apologize for any inconvenience.
After receiving the vouchers for the Rockies, I attempted to exchange a voucher yesterday. We discovered there was a problem with how the Rockies had them set up. They need to re-program some of their ticketing software and also reprint the vouchers with proper coding. They will not have replacements available until Tuesday May 8th or Wednesday May 9th. I will put out an email as soon as we receive them.
The Rockies apologize for any inconvenience.
5/2/07
20080Pay Raise Advances - Get Those Letters Moving!
Statement of NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley On
House Subcommittee Approval of 3.5 Percent Military Pay Raise
NTEU welcomes approval today by a House Armed Services subcommittee in its markup of the fiscal 2008 Defense Authorization bill of a 3.5 percent pay raise for members of the military. This is one-half of one percent higher than the raise proposed by the administration for 2008, and reflects both the need to address the military pay gap and the continuing contributions to our nation by those in the military and their family members. The same is true for federal civilian workers, whose undeniable day-to-day contributions in serving the public warrant a similar raise. NTEU strongly supports a minimum 3.5 percent raise in 2008 for the federal civilian workforce and will continue our work in securing bipartisan congressional support for this increase for civilian and military employees.
Members, please write your Congressional Representatives and urge them to support this measure. You can go to CapWiz at www.nteu.org and join NTEU in making a difference for ALL Federal employees
House Subcommittee Approval of 3.5 Percent Military Pay Raise
NTEU welcomes approval today by a House Armed Services subcommittee in its markup of the fiscal 2008 Defense Authorization bill of a 3.5 percent pay raise for members of the military. This is one-half of one percent higher than the raise proposed by the administration for 2008, and reflects both the need to address the military pay gap and the continuing contributions to our nation by those in the military and their family members. The same is true for federal civilian workers, whose undeniable day-to-day contributions in serving the public warrant a similar raise. NTEU strongly supports a minimum 3.5 percent raise in 2008 for the federal civilian workforce and will continue our work in securing bipartisan congressional support for this increase for civilian and military employees.
Members, please write your Congressional Representatives and urge them to support this measure. You can go to CapWiz at www.nteu.org and join NTEU in making a difference for ALL Federal employees
5/1/07
Opposition to Private Collection
From NTEU National:
Congressional Support Continues to Build
For Halting IRS Private Tax Debt Collection
Washington D.C.—Congressional support continues to grow for legislation in both the House and Senate that would put an end to a misguided program by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of turning over personal and sensitive taxpayer information to private debt collectors.
In the House, more than 100 lawmakers have signed on to H.R. 695, introduced by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), which would revoke the IRS’s authority to use private debt collectors. Similar legislation is pending in the Senate, where late last week the sponsors of S. 335 sent a letter to their Senate colleagues outlining a number of issues with the IRS program and seeking their support in ending it.
In the letter, Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) detailed the decision by the IRS to drop the contract, for unexplained reasons, of one of the private debt collection companies it had hired for the program. The company was originally chosen by the agency “despite repeated warnings about the firm’s checkered past,” the senators wrote.
In calling for additional co-sponsors for their pending legislation, S. 335, which would effectively end the program, Senators Dorgan and Murray also pointed out that the IRS “has confirmed that dozens of complaints have already been lodged by taxpayers against the private debt collectors—including unauthorized disclosures, inappropriate questioning and a violation of the federal debt collection laws.” None of these problems are surprising,” they wrote, “and all could easily have been avoided by simply using trained, professional IRS employees.”
That supports the long-held position of President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), who has been leading the fight against the ill-advised IRS privatization program. “The more that members of Congress focus on the details of this program,” she said, “the more support builds for stopping it.”
The Dorgan-Murray letter noted the IRS previously tried such a program more than a decade ago, with disastrous results. They wrote that “proponents of the IRS’s use of private debt collectors argued that the initial phase of this program would give the IRS and policymakers an opportunity to see if the program would avoid the problems of the past. The evidence is in, and the answer is a resounding no!”
Additional congressional support for ending the private tax debt collection program comes from House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) In March, he announced that the committee was undertaking an investigation into the IRS program. In a letter to IRS Commissioner Mark Everson, Rep. Rangel said that “we understand that there have been numerous complaints from taxpayers about the tactics used by contract employees and instances of violations of law, including violations of the taxpayer privacy laws.”
Noting that he understands the IRS plans to enter into three to five additional contracts with private debt collectors later this year, Rep. Rangel told the commissioner of his intent to pass legislation to repeal or significantly modify agency authority for the program. “I strongly urge that you not proceed with the process of awarding new private tax collection contracts this year,” he wrote.
This call was echoed by President Kelley. “In light of the continuing controversy swirling around this program, the rational course for the IRS to take is to halt this program immediately,” she said. “It is time to return the work of the IRS to the professional and dedicated IRS workforce and provide the agency with the resources its needs to collect outstanding tax debts.”
Please write to your Congressional Representative today to voice your support for opposition to private debt collection! go to the CapWiz link on this site!
Congressional Support Continues to Build
For Halting IRS Private Tax Debt Collection
Washington D.C.—Congressional support continues to grow for legislation in both the House and Senate that would put an end to a misguided program by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of turning over personal and sensitive taxpayer information to private debt collectors.
In the House, more than 100 lawmakers have signed on to H.R. 695, introduced by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), which would revoke the IRS’s authority to use private debt collectors. Similar legislation is pending in the Senate, where late last week the sponsors of S. 335 sent a letter to their Senate colleagues outlining a number of issues with the IRS program and seeking their support in ending it.
In the letter, Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) detailed the decision by the IRS to drop the contract, for unexplained reasons, of one of the private debt collection companies it had hired for the program. The company was originally chosen by the agency “despite repeated warnings about the firm’s checkered past,” the senators wrote.
In calling for additional co-sponsors for their pending legislation, S. 335, which would effectively end the program, Senators Dorgan and Murray also pointed out that the IRS “has confirmed that dozens of complaints have already been lodged by taxpayers against the private debt collectors—including unauthorized disclosures, inappropriate questioning and a violation of the federal debt collection laws.” None of these problems are surprising,” they wrote, “and all could easily have been avoided by simply using trained, professional IRS employees.”
That supports the long-held position of President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), who has been leading the fight against the ill-advised IRS privatization program. “The more that members of Congress focus on the details of this program,” she said, “the more support builds for stopping it.”
The Dorgan-Murray letter noted the IRS previously tried such a program more than a decade ago, with disastrous results. They wrote that “proponents of the IRS’s use of private debt collectors argued that the initial phase of this program would give the IRS and policymakers an opportunity to see if the program would avoid the problems of the past. The evidence is in, and the answer is a resounding no!”
Additional congressional support for ending the private tax debt collection program comes from House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) In March, he announced that the committee was undertaking an investigation into the IRS program. In a letter to IRS Commissioner Mark Everson, Rep. Rangel said that “we understand that there have been numerous complaints from taxpayers about the tactics used by contract employees and instances of violations of law, including violations of the taxpayer privacy laws.”
Noting that he understands the IRS plans to enter into three to five additional contracts with private debt collectors later this year, Rep. Rangel told the commissioner of his intent to pass legislation to repeal or significantly modify agency authority for the program. “I strongly urge that you not proceed with the process of awarding new private tax collection contracts this year,” he wrote.
This call was echoed by President Kelley. “In light of the continuing controversy swirling around this program, the rational course for the IRS to take is to halt this program immediately,” she said. “It is time to return the work of the IRS to the professional and dedicated IRS workforce and provide the agency with the resources its needs to collect outstanding tax debts.”
Please write to your Congressional Representative today to voice your support for opposition to private debt collection! go to the CapWiz link on this site!
4/29/07
More on your home e-mail
Members - if you get an e-mail titled "Be Informed" and asking for a response to chapter032@comcast.net please respond to this - this was sent by our Legislative Coordinator, David Larkin, and is a safe site, not spam or phishing. This is one more SAFE way to be sure we have your home e-mail, and to keep you up to date.
Do we know where you are?
One of the greatest things about the electronic age is the ability to communicate with a great number of people one needs to get information to in the shortest possible time. It is no differant for us here at Chapter 32. We often have breaking news, special offers (see the posting on Rockies tickets 4/28) or calls to action that we believe you'd be interested in or that we need you to act on in a timely manner. The easiest way for us to do that is with e-mail, but we can't unless we haveyour home e-mail address. NTEU National doesn't always share that information with us, even if you've registered at www.nteu.org (and we hope you have) so we need you to tell us where you are. We promise we won't overload you or spam you, but we WILL keep you posted on things interesting and important to your job and your NTEU membership. Please, sed an e-mail to us at Nteu032@aol.com with the subject "home e-mail" so we can add you to our data base and do one more thing to keep you in the loop,
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