In light of the current events Local 1613 would like to put out what we know about the upcoming possibility of sequestration and how it will affect our members.
Here is the definition of Sequestration:
An administrative furlough is a planned event by an agency which is designed to absorb reductions necessitated by downsizing, reduced funding, lack of work, or any budget situation other than a lapse in appropriations. Furloughs that would potentially result from sequestration would generally be considered administrative furloughs.
This type of furlough is different than what those of us who were around in the past went through, when there was no budget. In that case that was a “Shutdown Furlough.” You worked regularly scheduled hours but did not receive any pay until the budget was passed and funds were available.
In regards to the sequestration it would be considered an Administrative furlough as defined above. The important thing to note is that no immediate action should be taken on March 1, 2013. I quote from OPM.Gov (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/) and their supplemental guide on administrative furloughs section B Employee Status:
Employees who are scheduled to work on March 1, 2013, should report for work. Under sequestration agencies would still have funds available after March 1, but the overall funding for the remainder of the fiscal year would be reduced. This means that agencies will not be executing any immediate personnel actions, such as furloughs. On March 1. If furloughs or other personnel actions prove to be necessary, agencies will provide affected employees the requisite advance notice.
Chief Beeson has said that San Diego sector is planning for the worst and looking at zero AUO for everybody. Chief Beeson further stated that even if an agreement is made, San Diego sector is looking at reducing or cutting AUO in the future due to budget concerns.
These statements contradict the guidance on the OPM website and reek of an agency agenda. An agenda to make AUO seem as unpleasant and unworkable as possible in order to force us into another pay system. This battle is ongoing and the agency continues to dress it up in different clothes but it is the same. I am sorry but I am not going to feel sorry for an agency that can’t keep its word. I will not feel sorry for an agency that will not bargain in good faith and attempts to use politics and strong arming to get its way. The Chiefs statements to me are another attempt to place the blame for our misfortune on someone or something else beyond his control. It’s time for someone to put on their big boy pants and take responsibility.
According to OPM the agency should not decertify agents immediately upon this date. This would be a personnel action. Decertification is a personnel action I don’t care how the agency frames it. To even consider this as an option to me is simply castrating this agency and affecting our mission in a way that would do serious harm to its employees as well as compromise the safety of this country. I don’t know if the politicians and mangers that are in charge of this understand the ramifications of their actions and inaction. Agents and employees perform a dangerous and stressful job. Now you are telling them that on top of that it is possible you will have to also worry about how you are going to support your family and pay your bills.
Managers will be visiting the stations and discussing this topic throughout sector in the upcoming weeks. I suggest you ask them a few questions:
1. The OPM website states that no personnel action will be taken on March 1, 2013. Will the agency ignore that fact and decertify agents on March 1, 2013 if sequestration occurs?
2. If decertification occurs how will it be implemented in a way that will not jeopardize the mission of the Border Patrol?
3. The OPM website states that employees should contact human resources about how sequestration will impact them. Human resources has been contacted and they have not been given any directives on how this will impact employees. Who will we be notify employees as to the impact of sequestration?
4. If agents are decertified and they cannot meet their financial obligations will the service propose disciplinary actions on employees during this sequestration?
As always keep your questions and demeanor professional but make sure they answer your questions. If they say they will get back to you ask them when and who should you contact if they don’t? If you have questions that are not answered contact your local representative and have them forward it to an executive board member.
Members of the National Border Patrol Council are asking questions at the national level and will pass that information on to us as it becomes available. All we know as of now is there has been no national direction from headquarters.
I hope that this information helps soothe some of the worries that you, our members have. Know that your union is working diligently to protect your right to provide for your families. This job is stressful enough without the added pressure of pay cuts and furloughs. We will get you the information you deserve and notify all of you as soon as we do.
I suggest every member call and write congress and the senate in regards to this issue.
Find your senator at http://www.senate.gov/.
Find your congressmen at http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.
As one of my mentors, a retired Border Patrol Agent, quotes:
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done.
Thank you,
Terence L. Shigg
NBPC 1613 VP
