September 16, 2008

Beatrice M. Disman

Regional Commissioner

Social Security Administration

26 Federal Plaza, Room 40-102

New York, NY 10278

 AUTOTEXTLIST  Ms. Disman:

This is a grievance pursuant to Article 24, Section 10 of the National Agreement. The applicable sections of the National Agreement  include (bur are not limited to)  Article 3, Section 2A,  Article 18, Section 1, Article 24 Section 10, and any other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

On or about September 15, 2008 management in the Egg Harbor Twp F/O spoke with a bargaining unit employee in that office about what they deemed to be “unprofessional” attire. I am certain that you are aware that during the latest national negotiations one of management’s proposals was to institute a dress code for SSA employees. The Agency negotiators were either unsuccessful in bargaining this item into the contract or chose to drop it as an issue. In any event, there is no dress code in the current contract and management may not impose one without negotiation with the Union. I am unaware of any such negotiations having taken place. According to the Annual Personnel Reminders SSA will not prescribe what you wear unless:

1)     Your mode of dress presents a safety hazard to you or others

2)     Your mode of dress disrupts employees or the public from doing official business

3)     You are required to wear a uniform or safety equipment

None of the above criteria were met in this case.

What is even more disturbing, however, is that it required three management officials to speak to this one bargaining unit employee. Needless to say, the employee felt intimidated and was reduced to tears. The ganging up by these self-appointed Egg Harbor fashion Gestapo on one individual was totally unwarranted and will not be tolerated.

As relief we demand that the three Egg Harbor management officials apologize to the employee. We further demand that Egg Harbor management cease and desist from any further attempt to impose a dress code in that office.

I am the contact person for this grievance.

Gian Marco Pastore

President

AFGE Local 2369