September 2005
Volume LXII, Number 6
Our first major victory came in late July with the announcement by the Internal Revenue Service that it was suspending its planned closure of 68 Taxpayer Assistance Centers. This announcement followed a massive effort by NTEU members across the country who picketed outside of TACs and call sites slated for closure, contacted their members of Congress, and informed the public about the plan. This pressure resulted in language in two appropriations bills demanding that the IRS stop the cuts in customer service until it could study the actual impact on taxpayers and compliance with tax laws.
This is a huge win and it was only possible because of a united and concerted effort by NTEU members who worked together under the banner of “No Taxpayer Left Behind” to stop this program.
Of course our second major victory is the ruling in the NTEU lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security that stops DHS from implementing portions of the regulations that the judge declared were illegal. The implications from this decision are far-reaching. Not only could the decision influence similar rules currently being considered for employees at the Department of Defense, but it might also cause the White House to step back from legislation it is floating to extend these regulations to every other federal agency.
Once again, this victory would not be possible without the united support of federal employees who understand the importance of having a strong voice to speak out and fight unreasonable, ill-thought, and illegal actions by the White House.
These two wins will help give us all the momentum we need to carry on. It has been a difficult time for federal employees as we have tried to deal with the most anti-federal employee administration in recent history. It is tough to be under fire every day, and we are. Make no mistake: this administration does not respect you or the work you do. The president made that clear from the beginning when one of his first actions in the Oval Office was to revoke the executive order on partnership.
But NTEU and our members have fought back and we will continue to fight back. While we can certainly bask in these victories it is no time to stop fighting. There is so much more that needs to be done. We are facing ongoing issues at nearly every agency where NTEU represents employees. Collective bargaining agreements are not being honored, contracting out is continuing, and the overall level of respect by agencies for their employees has hit new lows.
It is clear that the role of NTEU is extremely vital in such difficult times. As we continue to move forward in combating these issues and confronting new ones it is important to remember that our strength comes from our members. As strong and vital as our union is—and we need to look no further than the TACs issue and the DHS lawsuit for proof of that—we can always be stronger.
We need every member of all our bargaining units to stand with us, and even federal employees who are not in our bargaining units. This unprecedented level of hostility toward federal workers shows no sign of abating so we must not give up or back off. I know that with the strength of the 150,000 federal employees NTEU represents, we will be successful.
Our union has just completed our 50th National Convention. The level of energy and commitment among the delegates and members who attended the historic and successful convention was outstanding. We gathered in San Diego with the theme that NTEU is a “Powerful Force for America.” These are not just throw-away words—NTEU and our members are a powerful force for America. I told the convention, on the opening day, of my vision for the future.
I see a federal workplace where employees are respected and their contributions welcomed and appreciated. I see a federal workplace where knowledge and experience of frontline employees is prized and managers welcome employees’ ideas on how to do things better. I see a federal workplace that is a model for the entire world.
We can make this vision come true with the commitment, dedication, energy and strength of each and every federal employee. I am counting on you to join with NTEU in working toward this future.
