The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a biennial bill that among other things, establishes policy for USACE. Because of this, it is a relevant way for USACE workers to influence USACE personnel policy.
A right of employees under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (FSLMRS), codified at 5 U.S.C. 7102, is to "to present the views of the labor organization to ... the Congress..." IFPTE ACE Council locals utilized this right to present the issue of remote operations of USACE locks and dams to many members of Congress. Since this work occurred prior to any actual bill language being proposed by a member of Congress, it is considered "advocacy" as opposed to "lobbying." U.S. Representative Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) submitted IFPTE-drafted language, and it was incorporated into the House WRDA bill as Section 1149. This language was included in the conference bill agreed to by the House and Senate; and the conference bill was passed by Congress on December 18th. This language protects the jobs of USACE lock and dam operators in the future with respect to automation of the facilities. It does not prohibit USACE from installing the technical upgrades, but they must meet certain criteria and justify the action. It further would require a public process that "includes engagement with ... personnel" which will give the employees a chance to voice their opinions.
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The ACE AdvocateA publication of the IFPTE ACE Council. Managing Editor, John Berens. Content by the ACE Council Communications Committee. Archives
January 2025
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The ACE Council represents the interests of more than 4,000 federal employees working at district and division offices, and business centers and laboratories of the US Army Corps of Engineers across the country.
All references to the Army Corps of Engineers or other agencies of the Department of Defense and the federal government are for identification purposes only. |