The dealine for applications is May 18, 2012.

In continuing NAGE's commitment to helping members and their families achieve their educational goals and dreams, NAGE is proud to announce the 9th Annual NAGE Scholarships program.

Each year, fifty scholarships in the amount of $500 each are awarded in a lottery.

Applicants for the lottery drawing scholarships must be planning to attend or already be attending a two- or four-year college, trade or technical school to be eligible.

Scholarships are available to members of NAGE, IBPO, IBCO, and IAEP, and the member's spouse, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or significant other. The application, which is available by clicking the link below, takes about 3 minutes to complete.

Scholarships will be awarded without regard to the sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability of any applicant.

NAGE Scholarship applications must be postmarked (or received if submitted electronically) no later than May 18, 2012. Scholarship recipients will be chosen in a random drawing at the June 2012 National Executive Board meeting; winners will be announced on this web site no later than one week after the June 2012 National Executive Board meeting.

Please visit www.NAGE.org for more details and an application.

The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) continues to provide a Recruitment Bonus.  For each new member you recruit you will receive a $25.00 recruitment bonus.  If you refer a new member, please remind the newly recruited member to list the person who referred them on their NAGE R 3-19 application.  The recruitmant bonus is paid directly to the recruiter from NAGE National.

Many of our members have been following the VA Back Pay case.  Earlier this week the plaintiff's lead Counsel, Ira Lechner, sent out a mass email message providing an update status report .

In case you did not directly receive a copy of Mr Lechner's message, a copy is below.

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An update message on July 11, 2011 from Ira M. Lechner, Court Appointed Class Counsel who represents all claimants in the United States Court of Federal Claims in the case of Quimby et al. v. United States:

Dear Claimants: Here is the latest update with respect to the case which we won in the United States Court of Federal Claims.  As you know, the Judge ruled that since 1995 RNs are entitled to 25% Saturday premium pay whenever RNs used paid leave instead of working scheduled Saturday shifts; the Judge also ruled that Title 38 Hybrid employees are entitled to Saturday premium pay and night differential when they used paid leave instead of working a scheduled shift.

VA is still deciding whether to accept the Court's decision, or whether to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C.  I suspect it will be a month or more until we hear the VA's decision. Back pay and interest is growing with each passing day.

In addition, last week I won a second decision from a different Federal Judge in the Court of Federal Claims in a case involving Nursing Assistants at the VA.  The Judge rejected all of the same VA's arguments on precisely the same issues that are involved in your case. I believe that this second opinion from another judge should help to persuade VA that it will lose if it appeals either decision.  An appeal will cost VA much more money in back pay, interest, attorney fees, and administrative fees as well as discourage so many of its skilled health care employees who have been waiting for years because an appeal could result in an additional year of unnecessary delay.  So many of you have expressed the belief that it is time to resolve this issue and move forward.

Please remain patient as I have always cautioned that these cases take a very long time to resolve. Please do not call or email me as there are over 60,000 claimants in this case and you can imagine how swamped I would be if many of you tried to reach me individually.  

I will be in touch with you as soon as I have additional news to report. Thank you for your patience and your continued support.

Ira Lechner

100 friends, family, and members of NAGE Local R 3-19 attended UNION NIGHT at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, June 24, 2011. The group had an opportunity to cheer on our hometown Os as they took on the Cincinnati Reds. This was the first time since the 1970 World Series that Cincinnati Reds have played in Baltimore. The fans were thrilled by exciting game. The Orioles were victorious in 5 to 4 win over National League’s Cincinnati Reds in 12 innings. Baltimore’s Derrek Lee lead off the 12 inning with a walk off homerun to end the game. The fans were delighted with an electrifying fireworks show following the game. NAGE R 3-19 loves our Os

May 6 marks the beginning of NURSES' Week.

It is often stated that Nurses are the backbone of the hospital. At NAGE, we know that not only are NURSES the backbone, they ARE the HEART and SOUL.

Just as NURSES' Week rapidly approaches, it will pass quickly --- Let us not forgot or take for granted the great value YOU do throughout the entire year, your career, and your lifetime.

In a recent conversation with NAGE National President, David Holway, about Nurses, he is quoted:

" Nurses deserve more recognition as healers. Ask anyone who’s ever had a great nurse or trusted a family member to the care of nurses. Their devotion to their patients and constant interaction with them is as vital to patient wellbeing as any prescription or procedure. During National Nurses Week, let’s thank the nurses who have cared for our loved ones and stand up for them the way they stand up for us".

NAGE takes honor in serving the NURSES of many of our nation's VA facilities.

NAGE Local R 3-19 is extremely proud to be an integral part of protecting the rights of the VAMHCS Nurses.

A couple of days ago Congress held hearings on pay and benefits of federal workers. NAGE was paying close attention to the hearing and the distorted picture it painted. President Holway has issued a statement on the hearing which addresses some of our concerns.

The following statement was issued by NAGE National President David J. Holway in response to the March 10 hearing by the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and Labor Policy titled “Are Federal Employees Underpaid?”

"Studies presented by the Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, and Republican members of the Subcommittee at the March 10 hearing repeated the false claim that federal workers are paid more than comparable workers in the private sector. These claims ignore the fact that in many cases federal workers are better educated and perform more complex jobs than their private sector counterparts. "

"Public researchers, doctors and nurses fighting disease, engineers, scientists, police officers at military installations and on our borders are all jobs vital to the public’s safety, health and welfare. The studies compare vitally important jobs such as these with private sector entry-level workers and arrive at a grossly distorted picture of federal compensation."

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics and OPM have been gathering pay data for decades. Their analysis compares private and government jobs with similar educational needs and levels of responsibilities. Comparisons of like jobs showed that federal workers are paid 22 percent less than workers in the private sector."

"The nation has dealt with high deficits and debt in the past. Yet, ultra-conservative think tanks, politicians and media are now using federal workers as a political punching bag by linking federal workers’ pay to the current budget deficit."

"NAGE recognizes the nation’s legitimate budget and deficit concerns. We welcome the opportunity to have an honest debate on workers’ pay and benefits. Unfortunately, the federal workforce, its pay, benefits, and size, have been the target of unjustified criticism based on misleading information. These dishonest political attacks on America’s federal employees do not advance the debate and serve our nation very poorly. NAGE stands ready to help create productive solutions to our nation’s problems."

There is no doubt about it; Federal workers are under attack. We have been wrongly vilified and the price you will pay will impact your pay, benefits, and rights as a worker. NAGE and federal workers everywhere, need to fight back.

HR 1 is the continuing resolution budget resolution needed to keep the government running. Congress is debating it now. There are quite a few amendments proposed for HR 1. The ones most directly impacting federal employees are outlined here. I’m listing the amendment number, what it would do, and who proposed it.
Amendment 185 would prohibit federal employees from using official time to collectively bargain. (Rep. Gingrey, GA 11)

Amendment 209 would also prohibit spending agency funds on official time for union officials. (Rep. Rokita, IN 4)

Amendment 210 would prohibit funding any federal pay above base pay (i.e. raises, step increases, premium pay, bonuses, and possibly locality pay). (Rep. Rokita, IN 4)

Amendment 569 would prohibit funding step increases. (Rep. Issa, CA 13)

These are obviously critically important issues facing thousands of our federal sector members. Keeping in mind the constraints of the Hatch Act, we encourage all of our members to contact their respective House member asking that they vote against these amendments. While it is important to call all members, We will need votes to defeat the amendments.

If members don’t know how to contact their House member they can use the following link to find them https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml. You will need to enter their state and zip code to be directed to their Representative’s web site. You will be able to find telephone numbers or send an e-mail from there.

It is important that our members make voices heard. Their efforts will help NAGE, and our allies in and out of Congress, to fight for them.

NAGE Local R 3-19 expresses disappointment to President Obama’s announcement of a two-year pay freeze for civilian federal workers.

We understand the purpose of shared sacrifice. But federal employees and their families once again are being singled out. NAGE is disappointed to see civilian federal employees singled out in an effort to reduce the federal budget deficit. We understand that the budget deficit is very large, and that everyone has to do his part, but freezing civilian federal pay is the wrong way to address this problem. This action comes at a time when the federal government can ill afford to put recruitment and retention at risk. In fact, freezing or cutting pay sends the wrong signal to the best and brightest workers federal agencies will need in these difficult times.

The Office of Personnel Management reported in October that private-sector workers earn more than 24 percent more than federal employees in 2010, two percentage points higher than in 2009. The Society for Human Resource Management estimated in September that salaries in the United States would increase by an average of 2.91 percent in 2011.

Based on research by Mercer, a human resources consulting firm, from more than 1,100 mid-size and large employers across the United States, more than 98 percent of companies plan to award base pay increases in 2011. Only 2 percent of companies are planning across-the-board salary freezes next year.

In light of the growing number of critical challenges being shouldered by federal workers, the government cannot afford to make substantial reductions to the earned compensation of individuals who have dedicated their careers to public service. As expressed by NAGE National President David Holway, “NAGE has major concerns about what this will mean for federal services like caring for veterans, protecting our borders, and maintaining our military readiness. Over half the federal workforce is at or near retirement age, and NAGE fears we could reach a tipping point as a result of a pay freeze where federal employees start retiring in droves. A wave of federal employee retirements would cause a brain drain throughout the federal government. If thousands upon thousands of federal employees walk out the door in a short period of time, the American people will lose invaluable institutional knowledge that can never be replaced. This pay freeze could do irreparable harm to the functioning of the federal government.”

As Nurses on the front line of health care for the Nation’s Veterans, we serve a critical and crucial function to our Nation’s wounded warriors. As Nurses, we have seen firsthand the impact on those we serve when the resources at point of care decreases. NAGE Local R 3-19 believes the system is already stretched beyond our ability to provide safe quality care to those most so well deserving of such. As a VA Nurse most of us feel a sense of duty to serve the veterans and our country. Working for the VA is not about the money, as Nurses there is better salary paid outside of the VA. The President’s decision to freeze federal employees’ salaries has potentially far reaching consequences for the nation’s veterans. For those reason, we urge the president to reconsider this ill-advised decision.

In mid 2009, the VA created a work group to work collaboratively to formulate recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that will improve knowledge, understanding , and consistent use of 38 U.S.C. subsection 7422 by attempting to identify matters that are excluded from bargaining and grievance exclusions in the area of professional conduct or competence, peer review , and / or compensation. USC 38 Subsection 7422 excludes certain matters related to professional conduct / competence, peer review, and compensation from collective bargaining / grievance for employees employed under Title 38 authority – VA physicians and Registered Nurses.

This work group was comprised of representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs and representatives from each of the five National unions representing VA employees: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Association of Government employees (NAGE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United American Nurses (UAN).

Kate Smith, RN, Charleston, S.C., NAGE R 5-150, and Jim Barton, RN, VA Maryland HCS, NAGE R 3-19 served as the primary NAGE representative to this task group. Mark Bailey, NAGE National Representative, Gina Lightfoot-Walker, Esquire, NAGE Federal Director, and NAGE attorney Ed Elder, served as alternates to the work group.

Over the course of time from early September 2009 through mid May 2010, the work group met face to face on six occasions for day long meetings and countless conference calls to work on the consensus based recommendations that would be sent forward to the Secretary of the VA. On May 17, 2010, the work group’s recommendations were delivered to Secretary Shinseki. The final work product included 16 different recommendations.

On September 10, 2010, five representatives from the National labor partners work group team were provided an opportunity to present the recommendations directly to VA Secretary Shinseki and his executive leadership team. Local officer, Jim Barton, served as the NAGE representative for the NAGE portion of the presentation. The labor representatives took the opportunity to discuss how the Agency has misinterpreted and misused 38 USC 7422 at many of the local facilities.

To date, Secretary Shinseki has not officially acted on the recommendations before him; however, he openly endorsed much of the packet and the work of the task group during the private September 10 meeting.

As we hear more regarding the VA positions on the final recommendations, we will let you know.

On September 9, 2010, during the NAGE National Union Convention, Local Unit President Evelyn Cipriaso was elected as a National Vice-President. R 3-19 President Cipriaso stated “I am so humbled and honored of this accomplishment. I wouldn’t have accomplished this without the continuous support of R 3-19 members. So, I would like to say thanks so much for this opportunity of my lifetime. I will continue to serve you as President of this Local Unit but can assure you our voice and concerns will be heard on the National Level.”
Many CONGRATULATIONS & KUDOS to our Ms Cipriaso

Recently members of NAGE R3-19 were called on to support health care workers in Baltimore fight for free and fair union elections. On June 24, 2010, about 10 members of NAGE R3-19 came out to join more than 800 brothers and sisters at a rally in downtown Baltimore. NAGE members were lending their voices in the fight for free and fair union elections. It was exciting and encouraging from start to finish. First, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke to the fact that 1 in 5 workers in Baltimore is a health care worker. She continued on; “free and fair union formation in this industry will raise the standard of living and economic outlook for Baltimore.” This sentiment was repeated over and over as workers from Sinai, University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins, and other local hospitals told their personal stories of struggles to care for patients in the midst of the fight for a living wage. It was very encouraging to see the diversity of those at the rally demanding free and fair elections. Delegates and representatives lent their voices to the cause. Families of health care providers came to support this cause. SEIU brothers and sisters from NY, NJ, and Washington were present. Church leaders spoke supporting the healthcare workers fight. Finally, activist and actor Danny Glover addressed the crowd in support of the cause. It was so encouraging to see the unity and know that our struggle is also the struggle of many in Baltimore and around the country. For many years workers have been intimidated and harassed by the boss to prevent formation of the union and now it seemed like the tide was turning. NAGE R3-19 is proud to stand in solidarity with such good company in support of this important issue. NAGE members attending the rally know the importance of supporting the struggle which will lead to better care of patients by caring for those who care for them.
You may ask yourself why is it important for me to support workers at a nursing home or extended care facility when I work in an acute care setting? Unions are about unity and the belief that there is strength in numbers. The slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all” is often used but the opposite is true as well! If we improve the working conditions and wages for anyone in the Health care field through our unionized efforts and support it translates to better working conditions to all -- To learn more about what YOU can do or what YOUR involvement means to this cause contact the local NAGE office.

OPM Rule Expands Leave Benefits

The Office of Personnel Management has broadened the definitions of “family member” and “immediate relative” to give federal employees the use of sick leave, funeral leave, voluntary leave transfer, the voluntary leave bank and emergency leave transfer to attend the needs of same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partners.

Under a final rule published in the June 14 Federal Register, OPM also adds step-parents, step-children, grandparents and grandchildren to the definition of family members. OPM noted that the expanded benefits should make the federal government more competitive in recruiting and retaining highly qualified employees. The new rule becomes effective July 14.

  December, 2011 The year 2011 is almost over and with it are many unforgettable memories that some of us will probably still be reminded  for years to come. We experienced hurricane, earth quakes, high unemployment, homelessness, pay freeze, 2 threats of government shutdown , budget cuts and many more that affected each and everyone. In view of all those adversities our VAMHCS nurses remain strong , dedicated and continue to care for our nation’s Veterans. As we celebrate this coming Holidays, please remember some of our collegues who are deployed, sick and for those who had left us. Let’s welcome the “New Year” with hope and anticipation for a better and prosperous year.                                                             “ HAPPY HOLIDAYS”    Evelyn

September 2011 Submission:   I have this friend in the Union.   He tells me, at this one VA facility, in which he works, staff on one of the units had been asking for a good long time to be able to go to 12 hour shifts.   They wanted to do this for a variety of reasons, some of which were:   * Personal Preference – would allow for more time at home and with family * Increased Job Productivity – studies done have consistently shown greater productivity by those folks doing compressed schedules * Increased Job Satisfaction – studies also show a markedly greater job satisfaction enjoyed by folks doing 12 hour shifts as compared to those doing 8’s. * Other units within this particular VA had been, for years, doing 12 hour shifts, effectively. * Within the SAME BUILDING in which this staff worked, indeed, on the very SAME FLOOR of that SAME BUILDING, a similar but separate unit, had been working 12 hour shifts for YEARS, again, very effectively.      So, with all of the above, one would think, given the proper proposal and plan for back up, the request from staff to management that the staff transition to 12 hour shifts would have been a slam dunk.   Yeah…..one WOULD think !       However, in this particular VA facility, some in the management staff, including the nurse manager, did not particularly care for the 12 hour shifts.   The reasons for this were never very fully articulated, particularly when compared to what was happening, successfully, on other units within that same VA.    Some of it was the holding onto the old-school thinking of 12 hour shifts being more expensive ( proven otherwise ) or being more difficult to cover ( also debunked by other experiences ).   Still…..management continued to say “ NO ” !   Enter, the Union.    Union reps and staff met to go over what had taken place.   The next step entailed a formal meeting amongst the Union, staff and management.    Management made their position known, staff had their input, and the Union, speaking on behalf of its membership, stated what appeared to be a reasonable resolution of the problem. The solution was turned down by management.   The Union, acting for its membership, then went to the grievance route.    It took months ( much longer, actually, than we would have liked from both staff and the Union vantage point ) but, my friend in the Union is happy to report that, this unit, which for so long had wanted to be working 12 hour shifts, now, with the help of its Union, has a date of this coming month to start working 12’s !!!   Union…. it WORKS !