Article 2

Union Rights and Responsibilities

Section 1--General

A. In all matters relating to personnel policies, practices and other conditions of employment, the parties will have due regard for the obligations  imposed by 5 U.S.C. 71 and this agreement.

B. The Administration shall not restrain, interfere with, or coerce  representatives of the Union in the exercise of their rights under 5 U.S.C. 71  and this agreement. 

Section 2--Notification to Employees of Exclusive Representation

The Union will provide a general notice to employees of the exclusive  recognition granted to the Union, together with a list of Union-designated  representatives and their work locations and telephone numbers to be posted on  Union bulletin boards.  Where the Union has had access to the boards in the  past, the Union will post the notice.  Where the Union does not have access or  there is no onsite representative, the Administration will post it.

Section 3--Communications with Bargaining Unit Employees

A. Consistent with 5 U.S.C. 71, the Employer will not communicate directly  with employees regarding conditions of employment in a manner with will  improperly bypass the Union under law.

B. The Administration will provide the Union with reasonable advance written  notice of written personnel surveys concerning conditions of employment that  involve bargaining unit employees when such surveys are initiated at the SSA  national level; the national component level; the regional level; or by OHA  Headquarters or an individual DOC or PSC.  The Administration will also  provide the Union with an advance written copy of survey results as soon as  possible.

This section is not intended to terminate any Union involvement in such  surveys that may exist in accordance with past practice or 5 U.S.C. 71.  It is  further understood that employee surveys will conform to the requirements of 5  U.S.C. 71.