LOBBYING FOR OCP

Did AFSA's current Board “miss the boat" in lobbying for OCP?

No. We successfully protected the 16% already implemented and kept the 8% remaining on the table for the future. OCP has been and is a top priority for the AFSA Board which decided to consult and strategize carefully before acting. AFSA President Susan Johnson, State Vice President Daniel Hirsch and other agency Vice Presidents met with key Congressional staff, Department players and FS members working on the Hill to develop an effective strategy. We then approached Members in both houses, including Representative Reed, and mobilized AFSA members, who in turn generated over 450 letters to 105 Representatives and 78 Senators covering 39 states. The 16% was retained despite the current incredibly difficult budgetary environment.

How is AFSA's lobbying being done, who is responsible?

AFSA's lobbying efforts are the collective responsibility of the Governing Board, led by the AFSA President, Susan Johnson, aided by AFSA's Policy Director and Legislative Assistant position, currently filled on a temporary contract basis by a former AFSA legislative Director. With counsel from the AFSA Governing Board, AFSA’s President coordinates a collaborative effort involving AFSA's President, Vice Presidents, other interested groups such as AFSAPAC and the American Academy for Diplomacy, and individual AFSA members.

2009 AFSA ELECTIONS:

Were the 2009 AFSA elections invalid?

No. They were certified by the AFSA Election Committee and the Department of Labor.

Why is the Department of Labor involved in the current election?

Because one individual challenged the results of the 2009 election, the Department of Labor reviewed the situation, certified the Board elected in 2009 and decided to oversee the next election in 2011.

SECURITY CLEARANCE ISSUE:

Is any aspect of AFSA's work classified?

. AFSA's work is by definition unclassified and all negotiations with member agencies are unclassified. The laws pertaining to the classification of information, the protection of classified information, the relationships between bargaining units and agencies and the privacy provisions of applicable labor laws would all preclude classifying any aspect of the relationship between AFSA and a Foreign Service agency, with the exception of cases involving the attorney-client privilege.

Wouldn’t the lack of a security clearance prevent AFSA officer from discussing the safety of FS members in Baghdad, Kabul and elsewhere?

No. The classified details involved in protecting our embassies in Baghdad, Kabul and elsewhere have not been relevant to discussions with management on these issues. AFSA is not and never has been in a position to discuss the technical aspects of countermeasures. We discuss big-picture issues such as the need for employees to be able to travel outside the green zone, or concerns that they be protected from attacks against their residences.

Have there been any changes to the State VP Position?

No changes have been made to the State Vice President’s responsibilities .

HOW ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE AND DIVERSITY OF THE 2009 AFSA GOVERNING BOARD?

The 2009 AFSA Governing Board under the leadership of Susan Johnson, who is seeking re-election as AFSA president, has been one of the most active AFSA Governing Boards. For the accomplishments of AFSA during 2009-11, please click here.

This Board has been the most representative in the history of AFSA. Including those added due to rotation out and subsequent appointment, it has included: Political, Consular, Management and Public Diplomacy Officers (both active duty and retired), GSO and HR Specialists, OMS, Security Technical Specialists, Security Engineering Officers, and DS Special Agents. It has included male and female specialists and generalists, married and single, gay, lesbian and straight; Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian ethnicities, ranging in rank from FS-04 to FE-MC.

We are committed to preserving such diversity in the 2011 Board.