Article 6
NTEU Representatives

The Employer recognizes the efforts of NTEU representatives as important in promoting a quality workplace, and a safe and friendly work environment. Although serving voluntarily, the rights and responsibilities of these NTEU representatives are supported by the language of this Agreement and by Federal Law. In this regard, the roles and responsibilities of Managers and NTEU representatives will be conveyed through annual, joint labor/management training sessions.

Section 6.01

"NTEU Representative" includes only those employees named by NTEU to any position where the employee acts as the spokesperson in the interest of NTEU or employees within the Bargaining Unit. This includes stewards, elected officers, and any other employees designated by NTEU. NTEU Representatives acting in such capacities qualify for adequate periods of Official Time under Article 7 of this Agreement. Use of official time for representation purposes may not be used as a reason for a supervisor to lower the performance appraisal of an NTEU representative.

Section 6.02

NTEU may designate as representatives as many as 32 stewards. In designating stewards, NTEU will take into account their organizational and geographical location of each, in order to minimize travel and other time away from the stewards' official duties. First-tier partnerships may reduce the need for steward services, and the designation of stewards may be affected.

NTEU will provide the Employer with a complete, up-to-date list of appointed stewards, the identity of chapter officers and chief stewards, and the office location and telephone number of each. Each steward must be a bargaining unit employee. NTEU must notify the Employer of any change in stewards as soon as possible but at least two (2) days before the effective date of any change.

In addition to the above stewards, NTEU may designate other representatives as set out in Section 6.01 above. NTEU will provide notification to the labor relations office of all such specific subject matter designations, as they are made.

Section 6.03

Employees and NTEU representatives will have access to the Employers' communications systems as a tool for reducing the time spent away from work during the course of conducting labor-management business. In addition, this communication system is needed to receive and transmit information to the Employer.

Section 6.04

Newly-appointed representatives may require a mentoring period in which to become familiar with their duties and the processes of labor-management relations. To further this process, a newly appointed representative may accompany or be accompanied by the chief steward, Chapter president, another representative, or National NTEU representative to formal meetings , or in the case of stewards, grievance meetings at all appeal levels, until the new steward has participated in three (3) grievances.

Section 6.05

Training in leadership development, labor management relations, workers health and safety, civil rights, equal employment opportunity, labor relations law, alternative dispute resolution, and other specialized areas that are considered under this Agreement, are appropriate and important training curricula for Individual Development Plans of NTEU representatives. Supervisors will consider the need for training in these areas, along with the training needs related to NTEU representatives' assigned duties and responsibilities.