Back in September, both the old and new DSHS Travel Policy were posted on this site and comments were requested. On November 12, 2009, the Federation met with LRO/Management to discuss the recent changes in the policy. DSHS made changes to Administrative Policy 19.10.06 without proper notification to the union per Article 38 of the General Government Contract.
Specific changes that will effect membership are found in travel advance limitations and requirements, #6a. Travel advances are limited to 75% of the estimated travel expenses. This is a change from the 90% advance offered to employees in the past.
Management acknowledged that they failed to notify the union prior to implementation of this change and stated that this mistake will not be repeated. Managment will now notify the union of any change in agency policy that will impact WFSE members working conditions prior to implementation.
The Federation argued that the new TEMS system is difficult to understand. Many members are frustrated with the system and consistently have reimbursement requests returned. The Federation asked that management provide members with in depth training. Feedback from members indicate that the current video training for TEMS has not helped them navigate the system and many are not receiving full reimbursement for travel expenses.
Management agreed that the new TEMS system is complex and difficult to navigate. Management stated that the TEMS system has a help desk and are hoping members will call this help desk and the help desk will walk a member through their reimbursement request. OFM currently offers indepth training on the TEMS system. This training can be found on the OFM website. Training is held in Olympia and employees will need to travel to Olympia to receive the training thus having to complete another TEMS request. (humor intended)
The Federation asked if management could offer an indepth training via a GO TO Meeting so members in Eastern Washington or remote locations could also receive appropriate training. Management will look into this and report back to the Federation.
Article by Sue Henricksen, Vice-President
Read the new travel policy below:
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