94 STAT. 2136
Agreement approval.
PUBLIC LAW 96-465—OCT. 17, 1980
(A) any formal discussion between one or more representatives of the Department and one or more employees in the unit (or their representatives), concerning any grievance (as defined in section 1101) or any personnel policy or practice or other general condition of employment; and (B) any examination of an employee by a Department representative in connection with an investigation if— (i) the employee reasonably believes that the examination may result in disciplinary action against the employee, and (ii) the employee requests such representation. (2) The Department shall annually inform employees of their rights under paragraph (1)(B). (c) The Department and the exclusive representative, through appropriate representatives, shall meet and negotiate in good faith for the purposes of arriving at a collective bargaining agreement. In addition, the Department and the exclusive representative may determine appropriate techniques, consistent with the provisions of section 1010, to assist in any negotiation. (d) The rights of an exclusive representative under this section shall not preclude an employee from— (1) being represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee's own choosing, other than the exclusive representative, in any grievance proceeding under chapter 11; or (2) exercising grievance or appeal rights established by law, rule, or regulation. (e) The duty of the Department and the exclusive representative to negotiate in good faith shall include the obligation— (1) to approach the negotiations with a sincere resolve to reach a collective bargaining agreement; (2) to be represented at the negotiations by duly authorized representatives prepared to discuss and negotiate on any condition of employment; (3) to meet at reasonable times and convenient places as frequently as may be necessary and to avoid unnecessary delays; (4) for the Department to furnish to the exclusive representative, or its authorized representative, upon request and to the extent not prohibited by law, data— (A) which is normally maintained by the Department in the regular course of business; (B) which is reasonably available and necessary for full and proper discussion, understanding, and negotiation of subjects within the scope of collective bargaining; and (U) which does not constitute guidance, advice, counsel, or training provided for management officials or confidential employees, relating to collective bargaining; (5) to negotiate jointly with respect to conditions of employment applicable to employees in more than one of the agencies authorized to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, as determined by the heads of such agencies; and (6) if agreement is reached, to execute, upon the request of any party to the negotiation, a written document embodying the agreed terms, and to take the steps necessary to implement the agreement. (f)(1) An agreement between the Department and the exclusive representative shall be subject to approval by the Secretary. (2) The Secretary shall approve the agreement within 30 days after the date of the agreement unless the Secretary finds in writing that the agreement is contrary to applicable law, rule, or regulation.
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