Ruling

Arbitrator Charles Feigenbaum ordered the agency to discontinue using its Internal Vacancies on-Line program, IVOL, except that the agency could continue to announce vacancies online and accept paper or electronic SSA-45 forms. The arbitrator ordered that all current openings be re-announced in accordance with his decision.

The arbitrator also gave the union 45 days to file grievances or request audits for employees who were adversely affected by a selection made under IVOL. Finally, the arbitrator ordered the agency to post a notice stating that it wouldn’t violate the agreement or the statute.

 
Meaning

The arbitrator found that by implementing the IVOL system unilaterally, the agency violated the CBA’s Article 26 and also 5 USC 7116(a), which doesn’t allow the agency to implement a system that would violate the parties’ agreement.

You can download and read the ruling in its entireity by clicking here.