ARTICLE

25.

Section 1 - Local Negotiations

The parties agree that parking is a substantive subject for local supplemental negotiations to the extent not specifically covered in this Agreement.

Section 2 - General

Where employees are not being charged for parking that is available at the time this Agreement becomes effective, no charge will be initiated for the duration of this Agreement except where required by law. The parties agree that secure, adequate, and accessible parking for employees helps better serve customer needs and should be a consideration in local arrangements.

Section 3

The Department agrees that if they relocate an office or should circumstances prompt changes in lease agreements, prior to the "solicitation for offers" the Department will notify the Union and/or place the issue on the agenda of the local Partnership Council.

Parking space for the Union is a subject for local bargaining.

Section 4 - Violations

An employee will receive two (2) courtesy warnings and one (1) counseling prior to receiving a parking citation by VA police except where a vehicle is parking in clearly marked emergency lanes or parking spaces. All citations issued will be reviewed by the Director/Superintendent/Manager or designee who may make a recommendation to the Federal Court. The citation or parking warnings will be purged in accordance with the VA Records Control Schedule.

Section 5 - Shuttle Service

The Department may provide existing or future shuttle service on a space-available, first-come, first-served basis for employee use. Changes in the shuttle service used by employees is a subject for local bargaining.

Section 6 - Security

In VA-owned parking facilities, the Department will provide a safe and secure parking area for its employees including, but not limited, to the following:

A. Lighting - Adequate lighting in all parking areas throughout the facility.

B. Security Service - For employee safety, VA police will provide escort service, when available and if requested, to parking areas under VA jurisdiction, traffic control, and general facility security.

C. Inspections - Inspections of grounds including facility and parking areas are to be regularly scheduled.

D. Pedestrian Crosswalks - Crosswalk areas from parking area to facility will be clearly marked.

E. Signage - Clearly understandable and unobstructed signs (traffic, pedestrian, etc.) consistent with both GSA standards and guidelines and safety traffic engineering principles are to be provided.

F. Problem Reporting - Local procedures will be negotiated for problem reporting, e.g., car lights left on, lights out on parking lots, damaged or obstructed signs, etc.

G. The provision of electronic security measures and security fencing are subjects for local bargaining.

Section 7 - Commute Options

A. The parties agree to explore alternative commuting options and to encourage their use.

B. The Department will make appropriate arrangements for employees to advertise ride-sharing opportunities.

C. The Department will work closely with public transportation agencies to ensure the maximum availability of public transportation to the facility with special emphasis on accommodating mobility-impaired employees.