On Monday, May 5, our lives at the Census Bureau are entering a new era. As we fight the return-to-office (RTO) orders through our grievance, we wanted to provide some guidance and support for this uncertain time.
For awareness—the Agency has decided they would like a formal meeting regarding the grievance we submitted on April 11. This formal meeting will happen on May 12. After this, they will have up to 15 days to provide a response. If the decision to reinstate the negotiated telework and remote work policies is not met, we will move to arbitration. This process involves a third-party arbitrator, chosen by both parties, who will hear both sides of the case and determine an outcome that is legally binding and enforceable.
Your dues and support ensure we are able to sustain the fight to get back the fair and agreed upon contracts we negotiated on behalf of our members and the larger bargaining unit at the Census Bureau. We are following the process that our AFGE lawyer advised and we trust this is the correct path forward.
We also have an open door policy for our members at Headquarters in Suitland. If you need to talk to someone, have a question, or need a place to take a deep breath, please feel free to visit the Union office on the first floor, across from the Census Conference Center.
Thank you again for trusting your Census Union leadership to take on these challenging issues. It is an honor to represent hardworking, compassionate, and dedicated people every day.
In solidarity,
Johnny Zuagar
President AFGE Local 2782
President AFGE Council 241
I joined the Union not long after my employment in Census around 2002-2003, at that time, I was encouraged by my fellow colleagues who were members and I wanted to see what the union was all about. Fast forward to 2023 and I’m still part of a great team of people who are very engaged and dedicated to helping out its members in any way they can. A highly trustworthy and loyal group that know when to take it to the table and also have fun during our many yearly events both online and in person.
I choose to be a member of my union because I need the support and ability to fight for our rights. Without the union, there would be no protection.
As a member of AFGE, I feel like I have a voice to make a difference and continuously improve the workplace for my fellow colleagues and myself!