Introduction to the NASA Headquarters Professional Association (NHPA) {a.k.a. “The Union”} Visit us at New Employee Orientation Beginning August 2009 (Updated January 2015)

Authority Legal relationship between NASA HQ and NHPA since NHPA is a local affiliate (Local 9) of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). NHPA is the exclusive representative of full-time, non-supervisory civil servant scientists and engineers, as well as certain clerical, administrative and technical civil servants, employed at NASA HQ, Washington, DC. These employees comprise the two NHPA Bargaining Units (BUs). NHPA represents BU members (individually and collectively) on all matters affecting working conditions, including reorganizations, work schedules, office space, and personnel policy/procedures/practices. 2

Distinction Between “Union” and “Bargaining Unit” –Union: A labor organization composed in whole or in part of employees, in which members participate and pay dues, and which has the purpose of dealing with the employer on grievances and conditions of employment. –Any Federal employee has the right to form, join, or assist a union or to refrain from doing so. –Bargaining Unit (BU): A grouping of employees that a union seeks to represent that the Federal Labor Relations Authority has determined to be appropriate (a “community of interest”) for collective bargaining. –The recognized union must represent all members of an established bargaining unit, regardless of whether they have joined the union. –The union may not negotiate agreements on behalf of non-unit members, even if the individuals are members of the union. –At NASA HQ there are about 550 positions in the two bargaining units, or approximately half of the HQ headcount. 3

Labor-Management Relations at NASA As a local affiliate of the IFPTE, NHPA can offer its dues paying BU and non-BU members the professional and Quality of Life benefits (e.g., financial and legal assistance) of a diverse labor union that represents more than 80,000 public and private sector employees in the U.S. and Canada, as well as provide them with a voice in the legislative process and issues that affect their careers and families ( Joining with the 4 other NASA Centers affiliated with the IFPTE (ARC, GRC, GSFC, and MSFC), the NHPA is a member of the NASA Council of IFPTE Locals (NCIL) that enjoys National Consultation rights at the Agency-level for any substantive change in conditions of employment proposed by the Agency. Major focus has been on Agency policy directives and procedural requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for NHPA BU and non-BU members to enhance leadership and negotiation skills. 4

Labor-Management Relations at NASA beginning 2010 Executive Order 13522: Creating Labor-Management Forums to Improve Delivery of Government Services (December 2009). IFPTE President appointed to the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations; meets monthly beginning February NHPA President appointed to the NASA Labor-Management Forum; meets every other month beginning July –Membership includes senior leadership within NASA and IFPTE locals. The inclusion of the Union in pre-decisional involvement in all workplace matters is significant and affords us a seat at the table in senior management meetings and councils. 5

Labor-Management Relations at NASA HQ NASA Group Achievement Honor Award (2006) in recognition as a model for government labor-management relations (meets monthly to share pre-decisional information and resolve issues) Work Place Accomplishments by engaging in the fair, equitable, and respectful treatment of employees Membership on Award Panels Expanded Alternate Work Schedules (2010) Catalyst for FedTraveler improvements ( ) New Employee Orientation Briefings (beginning 2009) One-stop shopping for workplace dispute options (2009) Conflict Management Program (2008) Telework Program (2007) EPCS Reinforcement /Guidance – no predetermined limit on Distinguished ratings; examples of Distinguished performance (beginning 2005) Installation of Automatic External Defibrillators (2001) Office Space Policy (2001) Early stage conflict resolution without unfair labor practice (ULP) charges and other grievances or litigation over a 10-year period 6

NASA HQ Labor-Management Team Union Officers : (Additional Leadership Positions Available) Interim President, NHPA: Tifarah E. Thomas, x2179 Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer Vice President, NHPA: Richard C. Zwierko, x4404 Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Secretary/Treasurer, NHPA: Pamela Barnes, x1954 Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer Trustee, NHPA: David L. Tomko, x2211 Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Labor Relations Officers: Inez Hunter, x0658 Felicia Smith, x2407 7