VA Labor Council Meets in New Orleans
The VA National Partnership Council (VA Labor Council) met in New Orleans the week of January 24 - 28, 2011. Discussions were held regarding FLRA Training on the Executive Order (13522), the VA 7422 Memoranda of Understanding regarding Title 38 and the 7106 (b) (1) Pilot.
SMC Conference -- Las Vegas, NV (August 23 - 26, 2010)
POST Conference message (09/01/2010)
The SMC Leadership Conference in Las Vegas allowed NFFE Local Presidents to participate in an annual event that was very helpful according to our officers. Many in attendance raised the VA for the leadership and exciting changes coming to VHA, VBA and NCS. There are concerns for the pace of implementation of the Secretary's initiatives but with the VA stepping up and involving Labor, we stand te best chance to be informed than we may have in years. The USH Dr. Petzel has invited unions as partners to participate in committees at the National level and specifically mentioned VA's Unions in his keynote speech in Las Vegas. This is seen as a very positive sign and we owe a special thanks to the Undersecretary for Health for recognizing the importance of our contributions, stated NFFE VA Council President Robert E. Redding. Work however continues to convince VISN and field stations to embrace the Undersecretary's message, and include Labor pre-decisionally.
Pre Conference message
Undersecretary Robert (Randy) Petzel has agreed to permit local union officers to participate in this year's Senior Management Conference (SMC). Each year, VA holds a Senior Leadership Conference where Facility Directors, (The Quad) VISN Directors and staff and VHACO Leadership meet to discuss VA issues. This year, the Senior Leadership Conference will be held in Las Vegas, NV at the same hotel the PCHM Conference was held. The VA Council is submitting the names of Local Officers to attend and Local lodges should be notified soon of the date and time of the conference. The VA National Partnership Council will be working collaboratively to establish a venue in order to highlight Labor Management cooperation. We look to see you all there.
Associated story, problems getting time for certain unionists to attends the SMC conference.