New Bill Targets Federal Union Reps: "Official Time" for Union Duties Would End

A proposal titled the "No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act" aims to make a significant change to how federal employee unions operate. The core action, outlined in Section 2, is the complete elimination of what's known as "official time" under current law (specifically 5 U.S.C. 7131). This bill mandates that any federal employee performing duties related to their labor organization must do so strictly while in a non-duty status – essentially, off the clock.

Understanding "Official Time"

So, what exactly is "official time"? Under the existing federal labor relations statute (5 U.S.C. 7131), it allows federal employees who are also union representatives to use paid work hours for specific representational tasks. Think of things like representing a coworker in a grievance meeting with management, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, or participating in legally required labor-management discussions. It's generally meant for direct interactions between the union and agency management, not internal union business like recruiting members.

Off the Clock: The Practical Shift

This bill removes that provision entirely. Section 2 stipulates that all activities related to union business must happen when the employee isn't officially working or getting paid by the government. For a union representative, this could mean handling a colleague's urgent workplace issue might have to wait until after their shift ends or require taking personal leave. It fundamentally shifts union-related work from an activity potentially integrated into the workday (when issues often arise) to something that must occur strictly on personal time.

Potential Ripples in the Federal Workplace

The elimination of official time could reshape the dynamics between federal agencies and their unionized employees. Without paid time allocated for representational duties, the ability of union reps to engage in negotiations, address disputes promptly, or participate in labor-management forums during work hours would cease. This could potentially slow down the resolution of workplace issues or alter the effectiveness of union advocacy within federal agencies. While the stated goal might relate to ensuring duty hours are spent solely on agency tasks, the practical effect is a restriction on the time and resources available for union representation as currently structured.