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Common Questions
Q: Who does this contract cover?
This contract covers all bargaining unit employees (BUEs) of the National Park Service in Interior Region 1, North Atlantic-Appalachian, represented by AFGE Council 270. It does not cover management officials, supervisors, or confidential employees as defined by the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
Q: What is a Weingarten right?
If you are called into a meeting with management and you reasonably believe it could result in discipline, you have the right to request union representation before answering any questions. Management must either grant the request, stop the questioning, or cancel the meeting. The agency is required to post a notice about this right annually.
Q: How do I file a grievance?
Contact your AFGE local union steward first. Grievances must be filed within 30 calendar days of when you became aware of the issue. Your steward will help you put it in writing and submit it to your immediate supervisor (Step 1). If the supervisor doesn’t resolve it within 15 days, it moves to Step 2 with the Superintendent or designee. If it’s still unresolved, the union can take it to arbitration.
Q: Can management change my schedule without notice?
Under normal circumstances, management must give you at least 7 calendar days’ written notice before changing your work schedule. In genuine emergencies or unforeseen mission requirements, shorter notice is allowed, but management must still notify you as soon as possible and the change should be temporary.
Q: What if my telework request is denied?
Any denial of telework must be documented in writing on the Telework Agreement Form (DI-3457) and must include a specific, mission-related reason. Denials cannot be based on general preference. If you believe the denial is unjustified, you can grieve it through the negotiated grievance procedure. Talk to your steward.
Q: How do I join AFGE?
Visit join.afge.org to sign up or talk to your local AFGE steward. When more NPS employees stand together, our voice at the bargaining table gets stronger. Your membership supports the people who negotiate and enforce this contract on your behalf.
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