You will never be alone in exercising these rights. NTEU--its members, leadership, and staff--stand with you.
Basic Federal Employee Rights
The Federal-Labor Management Relations Act defines and protects your rights. As a federal employee, you have the right to:
join NTEU;
actively participate as a member of NTEU;
participate in the decisions affecting your work life;
file grievances through your NTEU representative;
be guaranteed protections in exercising your rights.
Basic IRS Employee Rights
The statement of Basic Employee Rights found in Exhibit 5-5 of the National Agreement states that all IRS bargaining unit employees have the following rights:
To be treated with courtesy and tact.
To expect appropriate assistance from managers to do their job.
To work in a safe and healthy working environment.
To have job expectations explained to them.
To receive assistance in planning self-development.
To develop ideas or suggestions to improve work methods.
To be free to seek redress of grievances through the negotiated grievance procedure.
To receive cash awards for exceeding standards under the awards program negotiated by NTEU and IRS.
Union Member Rights
Bill of Rights - Union members have (1) equal rights to participate in union activities; (2) freedom of speech and assembly; (3) voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments; (4) protection of the right to sue, and (5) safeguards against improper discipline.
Collective Bargaining Agreements - Union members (and certain nonunion employees) have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.
Constitutions, Bylaws, and Reports - Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make these documents available to members and permit members to examine the records necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are public information and copies of reports are available from OLMS and at www.union-reports.dol.gov.
Officer Elections - Union members have the right to (1) nominate candidates for office; (2) run for office; (3) cast a secret ballot; and (4) protest the conduct of an election within the time limits set by the union’s constitution and/or bylaws.
Officer Removal - Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct.
Trusteeships - A union may not be placed in trusteeship by a parent body except for those reasons specified in the standards of conduct regulations.
Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights - A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right.
Prohibition Against Violence - No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA rights.