This page includes the laws and regulations that are the most relevant to federal employee labor unions.
5 U.S.C. Chapter 71 - Labor-Management Relations
The primary legal
reference for federal union matters is the Federal Service
Labor-Management Relations Statute (FSLMRS), codified at 5 U.S.C. 71
(Title 5, United States Code, Chapter 71). It is sometimes referred to
as simply, “the Statute”. The FSLMRS is the statutory basis for the
Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) and the Federal Service
Impasses Panel. It includes such topics as Management Rights,
Representation Rights, the duty to bargain in good faith, and standards
of conduct for labor organizations.
Actions that can be taken under this statute include: an Unfair Labor Practice Charge (ULP), an Exception to an Arbitrator’s Award, a Negotiability Appeal, and a Request for Information. The Union’s collective bargaining agreement (“contract”) with Management and the negotiated grievance procedure originate from requirements in the FSLMRS.
Copies of the Statute can be obtained by contacting a local FLRA office. Click here to identify a regional office.
5 U.S.C. 5596 - The Back Pay Act
The Back Pay Act governs the payment of wages in cases where an employee was “affected by an unjustified or unwarranted personnel action”, including “the omission or failure to take an action or confer a benefit”.
5 U.S.C. §6120 - §6133: The Work Schedules Act of 1982
This law governs flexible and compressed work schedules.
The Unites States Code is the body of laws passed by Congress that govern our nation.
The Code of Federal Regulations are implementing rules promulgated by Federal agencies in order to execute laws.