DATE: Friday, March 6, 2026
This message provides notification to bargaining unit employees of their representational rights.
The Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) requires agencies to inform employees annually of their rights under federal labor law. Therefore, as required by 5 U.S.C. §7114(a)(3), you are hereby given notice of the right set forth in 5 U.S.C. §7114(a)(2)(B). The following excerpts outline key information employees should know about their representation rights and responsibilities.
Section § 7102 of the CSRA states:
Each employee shall have the right to form, join, or assist any labor organization, or to refrain from any such activity, freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, and each employee shall be protected in the exercise of such right. Except as otherwise provided under this chapter, such right includes the right-
- (1) to act for a labor organization in the capacity of a representative and the right, in the capacity, to present the views of the labor organization to heads of agencies and other officials of the executive branch of the Government, the Congress, or other appropriate authorities, and
- (2) to engage in collective bargaining with respect to conditions of employment through representatives chosen by employees under this chapter.
Section § 7114(a)(2) of the CSRA states:
An exclusive representative of an appropriate unit in an agency shall be given the opportunity to be represented at-
- (A) any formal discussion between one or more representatives of the agency and one or more employees in the unit or their representatives concerning any grievance or any personnel policy or practices or other general condition of employment; or
- (B) any examination of an employee in the unit by a representative of the agency in connection with an investigation if-
- (i) the employee reasonably believes that the examination may result in disciplinary action against the employee; and
- (ii)the employee requests representation.
How do I know if I can be represented by the Union?
Employees should refer to block 37 (Bargaining Unit Status (BUS) code) of their Notification of Personnel Action (SF 50). SF 50s can be viewed using the Electronic Official Personnel File (eOPF) system.
Employees with BUS codes 7777 or 8888 in block 37 are not represented by a labor organization. BUS code 7777 indicates that an employee is eligible but not in a bargaining unit. BUS code 8888 indicates that an employee is ineligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
Questions:
- Please contact IBC Human Resources, Employee & Labor Relations at: ibc_hrod_employee_relations_&_labor_management_branch@ibc.doi.gov.