IRS made changes to the IRM governing use of pseudonyms and took the position that the action did not need to be bargained with NTEU because the change was so small it wasn't significant (de minims). NTEU disagreed and filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). The FLRA has now ordered IRS to bargain with NTEU as required under the law. The IRM section changes below must now be bargained under this ULP order. NTEU clearly believes these changes are very important to a number of IRS workers. We'll keep you updated on developments.
• IRM 10.5.7.4.1 and 10.5.7.4.3 – to the process of when an employee who is approved to utilize a pseudonym can begin using the pseudonym;
• IRM 10.5.7.5 – the process to be used for employee withdrawal or removal from the pseudonym program;
• IRM 10.5.7.11 through 10.5.7.14 – new language setting rules and procedures to be used by bargaining unit employees with pseudonyms when they travel; and
• IRM 10.5.7.15 – changes made regarding the use of pseudonyms in HSPD-12 Smart ID Cards.
