May 28, 2010
NTEU Continues Push for More CBP Resources, Staffing
As part of NTEU's ongoing push for more resources for CBP, the union last focused on the need for more dollars and manpower devoted to the agency's trade functions.
In a statement submitted to a key House subcommittee, NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley called on Congress to use the $14.1 million budgeted for human capital investment in 2011 toward increasing CBP trade operations personnel.
"Lack of sufficient focus and resources costs the U.S. Treasury in terms of customs duties and revenue loss and costs American companies in terms of lost business to unlawful imports," Kelley said. Customs fees are the second largest source of federal government revenue.
NTEU-CBP Contract
Now Available Online
It’s your most important workplace document. It’s your contract and it’s now available on DHSunion.org for you to download and print.
 Phase I of the NTEU-CBP contract, which went into effect May 17, brings to CBP employees a unified set of work rules. It includes strengthened grievance-arbitration procedures, a new child care subsidy article and the creation of Labor-Management Relations Committees. The agreement also features previously-reached articles covering the bid and rotation system, alternative work schedules and telework.
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The number of Import Specialists currently on board has stayed the same since March 2003 when the Homeland Security Act took effect. Adding to the urgency of the problem, said Kelley, is that 25 percent of CBP Import Specialists will retire or be eligible to retire within the next few years. More
CBP To Survey Employees On
Child Care Subsidy Program
NTEU worked hard to negotiate the first-ever child care subsidy at CBP, and now the union wants to ensure it is successfully implemented. That is why NTEU
is urging all employees to take a voluntary questionnaire that will help CBP gauge interest in the program and plan for associated resources and costs.
The child care subsidy program, a benefit NTEU secured in the first phase of the new contract, is open to CBP employees whose household adjusted gross income is less than $50,000 a year.
NTEU and CBP are committed to having the program in place within one year from the contract's May 17 effective date. More about the contract
JFK CBP Officers Earn High Grade in Customer Service
For the second consecutive year, CBP Officers at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport have earned top marks for providing a first-rate international arrival experience.
In a survey conducted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFK's Terminal 8 (American Airlines) garnered the highest customer satisfaction rating—87 percent—among the seven Federal Inspection Services (FIS) at JFK and Newark Liberty International airports. The FIS facilities include CBP and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
NTEU's Chapter 153 represents CBP Officers at JFK while Chapter 304 speaks for the airport's TSA Officers.
"First CBP Officers at JFK are honored for helping detain the suspected Times Square bomber and now comes this latest recognition of their excellent customer service," said President Kelley. "NTEU is pleased to see this acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of these officers at one of nation's busiest and most demanding airports."
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