TO: HHS Chapter Presidents

-2-

December 20, 2012

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: HHS Chapter Presidents

RE: HHS Space MOU

SUMMARY: NTEU and HHS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the HHS Space Utilization Policy.

Recently, NTEU and HHS signed a MOU regarding the HHS Space Utilization Policy. The HHS Space Utilization Policy applies to all HHS offices and office support spaces included in HHS lease acquisitions, new construction and improvement projects. The Space Utilization Policy establishes that the maximum average space allowable for space planning and occupancy is 170 usable square feet (USF) per person. Each tenant’s assigned USF includes all office space, office support space and a pro-rata share of any joint use space.

NTEU’s bargaining team with respect to this initiative included Michael Roberts, Chapter 212 and Michael Theordorakis, Chapter 282. I would like to thank them for their hard work concerning this initiative.

The highlights of the MOU are as follows:

1.  HHS may not require any bargaining unit employee to modify his or her hours of work, alternative work schedule or tour-of-duty in order to comply with the Space Utilization Policy;

2.  The agency will consider options that would avoid reducing bargaining unit employee’s individual office space by more than 10% on average. When it is necessary to reduce such space by more than 10% on average, the agency will provide notice to NTEU National and to the appropriate local NTEU chapter president and will bargain to the extent required by applicable law, rule and regulation; and,

3.  In the event there exists a local chapter MOU or LOU that provides each bargaining unit employees with an office, i.e. an enclosed office space that does not include a cubicle, the agency will provide such local NTEU chapter president with notice and opportunity to bargain changes to such offices in accordance with applicable law, rule and regulation.

A copy of the HHS Space Utilization Policy MOU is attached for your information. If you have any questions or concerns, regarding this MOU, please contact your National Field Representative.

Colleen M. Kelley

National President

Attachment

HHS NEGMOU