Article 13
Midcontract Negotiations

The parties may not establish or change any personnel policy, practice, or working conditions which conflict with this agreement except by mutual agreement.

Where the Employer wishes to change a personnel policy, practice or employment condition not controlled by the terms of this agreement which affect only one NTEU chapter, it will notify the NTEU's chapter president in writing. Where such changes are Headquarters-wide, the Employer will notify both NTEU chapter presidents in writing. Should negotiations take place which affect both chapters, both will be represented if they so desire. This notice will include sufficient information for NTEU to understand the need for and impact of the requested change. NTEU will receive reasonable advance notice before the Employer wishes to implement the requested change. Should negotiations take place regarding a requested change, ground rules shall be established at the time a request is made.

Mandatory amendments may be required after the effective date of this agreement because of new (or changes to existing) laws, Executive Orders, or regulations of Government-wide authorities. In such an event the parties shall meet as soon as possible after receipt of a written request from either party for the purpose of negotiating those amendments to the agreement required to bring this agreement into conformity with the new laws, Executive Orders, or regulations of Government-wide authorities.

In the event that the scope of bargaining currently available to the parties is expanded due to changes in the law or higher agency regulations, either party may reopen this agreement by submitting proposals addressing these areas. Such negotiations shall be strictly limited to those areas that the scope of bargaining has specifically broadened.

To the extent permitted by law, NTEU may initiate mid-term bargaining by submitting to DOE written proposals for changes in conditions of employment.