(January 26, 2011)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing:   Official Time Notification for Legs Conference

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Here is the information we received from LMR, plus the new modification that can be released:

Labor Management Relations has approved the following schedule for official time based on the tentative agenda.  If this schedules changes, NVAC will notify you immediately. 

Sunday, February 6, 2011;  all sessions approved (8 hours - ONLY for those employees who are regularly scheduled to work Sundays)
Monday, February 7, 2011;  internal union business - annual leave needed (based on most revised schedule from AFGE)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011;  all sessions approved (8.5 hours - includes breakfast and all lobbying sessions)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011;  all sessions approved (8.5) hours - includes breakfast and all lobbying sessions)

Facilities are to give official time for reasonable travel to and from the event.  Official time for travel only applies on travel days that are normally a regularly scheduled work day for you.  It is advised to provide a copy of your itinerary as proof of time necessary for travel to and from the event.

For those Locals who are staying over for additional lobbying, requests for official time ‘above and beyond’ this schedule are to be resolved locally.