AFGE FIREFIGHTERS COUNCIL
80 F. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
CEO Administration: Jeff Hartley
CEO Policy/Program: Tina Bryant
Legal Counsel: Sandra Adams-Choate
July 8, 2010
The AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) afforded the AFGE Firefighters Council an opportunity to provide it with comments on a draft VHA Handbook. The Handbook is intended to replace Manual MP-3, Part III and to “…establish criteria and requirements for fire department services at VA medical centers and domiciliaries”.
The Handbook was sent to NVAC as the national bargaining council for AFGE locals, for its review and comments. And, the Firefighters Council was pleased to have a voice in the formulation of the comments that NVAC is preparing.
Sandra Adams-Choate, Legal Counsel for the Firefighters Counsel coordinated the Council’s comments. According to Ms Choate, the Handbook was “confusing and internally inconsistent.” She noted that there were provisions that were contrary to civil service laws and regulations or precedents established by litigation; provisions that were contrary to NFPA standards that must be followed by DVA, and that some provisions abrogated the right to bargain negotiable issues. Her comments to NVAC are linked.
It will now be Page 13
Part 6, Subpart m, paragraph s (4) and 5(a) and (b)
up to NVAC to insure that the working conditions of AFGE firefighters employed by DVA are not adversely impacted by this Handbook.
This is a good example of how the Firefighters Council can assist Councils and Locals in representing their firefighter members. Read Full Comments