This message is to clarify that while converting AFGE employees to their new 5-level plans, you need to give your local unions the minimum 15-day notice called for by section 5.E. of the new article 26, and allow them the opportunity to review and comment on the new plans. This needs to be done even if you are simply using the same pass-fail elements and standards in your 5-level plans. A reason for this is that you should be adding at least one new non-critical element in developing these plans.

It is important to note that the MOU between VA and AFGE called for these 5-level plans to be in place by March 1, 2006. Despite the commenting period, this date should still be adhered to. The next paragraph describes a procedure that allows both a timely implementation of 5-level plans and the ability to meet the obligation to provide the performance plans to local unions for review and comments.

Organizations should allow their locals at least 15 days or more to review new performance plans even after they have put them in effect per the timeline in the MOU. If subsequently the union provides no comments or provides comments that cannot be used, the employee will be rated on his or her plan from the date it was first put in place. If however, the union provides comments on a plan and the rater modifies the plan based on those comments provided, the employee will be rated under the plan from the date of modification--and the beginning of the rating period on the plan coversheet will be changed accordingly.

If you have any further questions on this issue, please send me an e-mail or call me at 712-256-7843.

Bonnie Kerber

206 Woodbury Circle

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

712-256-7843