June 3, 1999 Memo from Employee/Labor Relations to Blacks In Government

MEMORANDUM

TO: CAROLYN HAYLOCK, PRESIDENT

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT

FROM: RICHARD A. REDA, DIRECTOR

EMPLOYEE/LABOR RELATIONS DIVISION

SUBJECT: USE OF FEDERAL FACILITIES

It has come to my attention that the organization that you currently head, Blacks in Government (BIG) erected an information table on the ground floor of Forrestal building on June 2, 1999. Further, I was informed that the table contained not only literature and information for and about BIG but material that related to the current election for the officers of the Forrestal chapter of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU); and that the BIG members staffing the table also engaged others in discussions about the election, voicing their opinions about specific candidates.

The local NTEU chapter election is a matter internal to that union. Management must, under the terms of 5 United States Code, 7116(a)(3), refrain from any appearance of sponsorship or control of any union or its activity. By knowingly permitting BIG the use of Federal property and space for matters not relating to BIG, i.e., matters about which management must maintain strict neutrality, Headquarters management is vulnerable to an unfair labor practice charge for unlawful sponsorship or control. As the person responsible for management's compliance with the Federal labor law, I cannot allow that to happen.

Unless I have your commitment that activities by members tat the BIG table and materials on the BIG table are confined to matters completely unrelated to the local union election, I will have no choice but to request that the Office of Administration and the Office of Physical Security (Forrestal), withdraw their permission for BIG's continued use of tables or space in the building during the pendency of the election.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of this issue. Please contact me with your response by close of business today. If I do not hear from you, or if you decline to give your commitment on behalf of BIG, I will inform the offices listed above and permission will be withdrawn.

cc: Linda Sye, MA-2

Charles Coker, NN-51

Warren Clayman, VP, BIG