Questions, not related to CBA feedback, should be sent to popahelp@popa.org.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
1. POPA will be holding CBA Informational sessions on November 15, 18, 21 and 22. You must register for the Zoom sessions. The registration links are included below. Please only sign up for one session.
2. Richard Hirn, POPA’s legal counsel, will be talking about the CBA negotiation process on Monday, November 14, 2-3 pm. You also need to register for this. The registration link is also included at the end of this email.
3. See my email from Friday, November 4, 2022 for additional information on these sessions. There is no other time available and you must attend on your own personal device.
4. Management’s proposals can be found on our website under “CBA Negotiations” found here:
- Feedback can be provided as follows:
- Send to CBA@popa.org
- In the subject header include the article or topic
- Provide bullet points of your suggestion first and then provide more detail if you would like under the bullet points
Use/Lose Annual Leave
Don’t let your leave be lost! If you have use/lose annual leave you will not be able to use by December 31, 2022 (the end of the leave year), please consider donating to an employee.
There are two ways to donate annual leave:
- Direct donation: There are directions and a list of employees in need here: Office of Human Resources | Leave Recipients (uspto.gov).
- Voluntary Leave Bank: Voluntary Leave Bank Program where you can donate unused annual leave: Office of Human Resources | Home (uspto.gov)
Open Season for Federal Benefits
2022 Open Season is November 14 through December 12, 2022 (for Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB), the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). More information can be found here: Office of Human Resources | Federal Benefits Open Season (uspto.gov)
TSP
The IRS has increased contributions that can be made for 2023.
TSP in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500.
The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate has increased to $7,500, up from $6,500. Therefore, participants who are 50 and older can contribute up to $30,000, starting in 2023.
Enjoy the upcoming holidays!
Kathy Duda
POPA President
November 14, 2022 session
When: Nov 14, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Introduction to the FLRA and Collective Bargaining Process
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_knhKnzvgQZKeELrErgn9jg
CBA Informational Sessions
11/15 (Tuesday)
When: Nov 15, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CBA Information Session
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3cmR8LdbQ_K3KcJXsbQDvw
11/18 (Friday)
When: Nov 18, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CBA Information Session
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jW-ZjDZaQVibf7w1FWsGVA
11/21 (Monday)
When: Nov 21, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CBA Information Session
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uV80zvjGS2-NE4ZHMxeJkw
11/22 (Tuesday)
When: Nov 22, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CBA Information Session
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PoXje29nSHegSYlFChLk8w