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(November 17, 2009)

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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President’s Briefing: Contract Negotiations in San Antonio, Texas ~ Day 1 & 2

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Today is the second day of Contract Negotiations at the VAMC in San Antonio, Texas.

We are discussing Article 22, “Merit Promotion”. VA would like to roll this article over “as is” and add “USA Staffing” to this article. They would also like to implement USA Staffing, as soon as possible. This is an electronic process to apply for VA jobs on-line.

We have concerns of implementing USA Staffing. We are asking that USA Staffing, which comes from OPM, whether or not they will be able to accommodate our concerns. Some of our concerns are; can Union representatives have access to vacancy announcements and be able to verify that the correct process information was entered, such as the area of consideration (VA employees only). Also, any changes to the features, functions, and required fields will be consistent department wide. In other words, the facility will not be able to make changes to the system at the local level. Lastly, applicants will be able to have the ability to delete his or her profile from the data base, if they so choose and to create multiple profiles of themselves, such as you worked in social work service, nutrition and food service, and nursing service at some point during your employment with the VA. There are many more concerns and we will keep you informed.

Michelle Weathers, Local President and Executive Board for Local #3511, along with Virginia Barrera, Local President and the Executive Board for Local #4032, as well as Melvin Dyson, Local President of Local 2281 have all been excellent hosts and we appreciate the hospitality and support. Thanks to all!

OBSERVERS: Monday, November 16, 2009

Local 3511

Michelle F. Weathers, Local President

Sylvia Ramon, Executive Vice President

Local 4032

Virginia Barrera, Local President

Local 2281

Melvin Dyson, Local President

OBSERVERS: Tuesday, November 17, 2009