Local 121 Scores Decisive Arbitration Win Against OCHR, San Diego & OPC

IFPTE Local 121 was notified this week by the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) that they prevailed against the Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR), San Diego, and the Overseas Processing Centers involving a representational dispute for Navy civilian workers represented by Local 121 living and working in Guam. Local 121 President/Western Federal Area Vice President, Jamie Uyeunten, commented on the victory.

“This win comes at a time when the United States Navy is experiencing a huge buildup in Guam, and therefore is seeking out experienced workers to work and live there or accept temporary “overseas” assignments to help stand up these defense infrastructures. Sadly OCHR felt the need to incorrectly stipulate that these workers of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, who should already be represented by Local 121 workers, would be denied or lose their union representation and other benefits negotiated by the Union, including time-and-a-half overtime pay, just because they were working in Guam. It is disappointing that OCHR took this posture to begin with, causing Local 121 to spend unnecessary and significant resources towards this case, but we are very pleased with the outcome.”

Local 121 also has a pending Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge because OCHR had already denied the Local and adversely affected employees their bargaining rights. The ULP is pending a final May 20 appeal deadline for OCHR for the unit clarification petition decision by the FLRA.

Congratulations Local 121!