At the inception of the NBC in April 1999, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Employees (IFPTE), continued to represent NBC employees. In February 2002, NBC Denver lost affiliation with the IFPTE leaving employees without Union representation.
In May 2002, a group of employees recognized the importance of Union representation and contacted the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) for representation of Denver employees.
In November 2002, a vote was conducted by the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). Ballots were mailed out to all potential Labor Bargaining Unit (LBU) employees to ask if they wanted to be represented by a Union. There was a high 48% response rate; 70% voted for Union representation. Accountants opted not to become part of the LBU.
In December 2002, FLRA certified AFGE as the exclusive representative and named interim representatives. As AFGE did not yet have a Labor Bargaining Agreement, management and the Union agreed to abide by the previous IFPTE contract until a new Agreement could be negotiated.
AFGE Local 1114 established its mission: “To partner with NBC management in promoting and fostering a workplace-friendly environment that encourages fair and equitable treatment of all NBC Government employees.”
The Union designated interim Officers and Stewards and hosted several types of activities to share information with LBU employees including:
- Regular meetings open to all Union members.
- Brown Bag sessions held with LBU employees to obtain input for the proposed NBC-Wide Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) Policy.
- Focus Group meetings with LBU employees to obtain ideas on improving the work environment for the organization and its workforce.
In September 2003, Union members officially elected Union Officers and Stewards.
In October 2003, the Labor Management Team (LMT) was established with six members each of NBC Denver management and the Union. The purpose of the LMT is to mutually work for solutions that benefit employees and the organization.
The LMT purchased a subscription to the Federal Employee News Digest (FEND) for all NBC Denver employees.
In July 2004, LMT members attended Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) training to assist with negotiations on the NBC AWS Policy.
The FLRA is currently providing Labor Relations training to NBC Denver employees, supervisors, and managers. This training will raise the awareness of employee and management rights covered by the Federal Statute on Labor-Management Relations (5 USC 71).
The Union serves numerous LBU employees by providing counseling, support, and a variety of representational activities. When necessary, the Union represents employees with grievances and unfair labor practices. The Union continues to review many proposed policies, procedures, and other documents as well as proposed actions that affect working conditions of LBU employees.
Since its beginnings in December 2002, Union membership has continued to grow as the size of the LBU has also increased. Union Officers, Stewards, and other designated representatives strive to excel in their jobs and serve the LBU. These dedicated people also devote a significant amount of personal time to Union activities.
Audrey H. McCray, President
Timothy P. Jones, Vice President
| 
