Today is the third day of Negotiations at the VAMC in Asheville, North Carolina. We signed Article 31, “Temporary, Part-time and Probationary Employees”. We believe that this article has been enhanced wherein “Probationary Employees” will be provided ongoing guidance concerning their performance, so that at the end of the probationary period, there will be no surprises! Example: Training needs will be met; Standards of Practice, etc.

Observers today were Bob Caldwell, President of AFGE Local 0446, Inez Whiteside, Denny Bean, Kathy Ginsberg, Jonica Forney, and Paula Glosup of Local 0446, Asheville.

Article 31 is an article that Ms. Bonnie Kerber tried to avoid discussing, so that it would go to mediation and impasse, however, the two Chief negotiators from Labor and Management made the decision that we would continue to discuss this article until we came to an agreement.

We also discussed Article 25, “Parking and Transportation” with no resolution.

Keep up the great support! Another update tomorrow………