ARTICLE

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Section 1 ­ Introduction

A. Both parties recognize the importance of a strong commitment to a comprehensive Total Quality Improvement (TQI) program in the Department. Service to the veteran is the cornerstone of the relationship between the Department and employees.

B. Both parties agree that a successful Total Quality Improvement (TQI) program must empower all employees to fully participate in the development and implementation of Department programs and process. Management recognizes the Union as the exclusive bargaining unit representative in implementing this cultural change. Participation of bargaining unit employees in the TQI program is a matter left to the discretion of the Union in its role on the facility Quality Council.

Section 2 ­ General

A. The term Total Quality Improvement (TQI) is representative of all quality programs initiated by the Department (i.e., Total Quality Management (TQM), TQI, Process Action Teams).

B. Both parties agree that the commitment of the local facility Director and Union President is critical for success of the TQI program.

C. Union representative participation shall be considered duty hours without the need to use official time.

D. It is recognized that the TQI process is a journey and that all levels of management and union are responsible for successful implementation of the program. Therefore, the parties should strive for open communication, developing teamwork, sharing of information, integration and acceptance of the Union/Management role, reduced paperwork, improved work processes, etc.

E. Both parties recognize that an effective TQI program is critical to a successful Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) survey. It is in the interest of both parties that there be a sharing and communication of information regarding JCAHO requirements, processes, and results.

Section 3 ­ TQI Charter

The following is the TQI Charter of April 15, 1994, agreed to by the parties after a significant and dedicated effort:

I. PURPOSE

This charter establishes a National Quality Council (NQC) and quality councils throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Members of the Councils will demonstrate continuing commitment to the principles and practices of Total Quality Improvement (TQI) both as Council members and as participants in their respective organizations.

II. SCOPE

A. This charter applies to VA facilities where management has determined to implement TQI.

B. Both VA management and the AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) mutually agree that the scope of the TQI agreement will be limited to process related issues as covered by this charter. The Councils/Teams will not establish projects which are matters solely and properly subject to collective bargaining, matters currently covered by the Master Agreement, and individual/employee grievances and problems or other appeals/complaints processes as projects. The AFGE NVAC will communicate this requirement to their locally appointed TQI representatives. VA management will similarly communicate this requirement to its managers.

C. Neither the union nor management waives the right to bargain over TQI­developed recommendations which would otherwise be bargainable, nor do they waive any other legal, contractual, or past practice right.

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D. The union does not give up its rights to pursue bargaining on any subject by participation in TQI. All rights to bargain are actively and affirmatively retained.

E. Management and the union recognize that, in order for TQI to be a successful tool in problem solving, a departure from the Federal Labor Management Relations Statute may be made in such areas as management's and union's rights and the negotiability of subjects.

F. No bargaining unit employees will be coerced or intimidated into participating in Quality Improvement Teams (QITs). Participation in the process is entirely voluntary.

G. Union and management will recognize each other as legitimate customers in their everyday dealings with each other.

III. GENERAL ROLES OF VA and AFGE

VA and the NVAC serve as champions of TQI throughout the organization. The NQC, Facility Councils, and component management will provide an environment that supports employee involvement, contribution, teamwork, and a positive atmosphere of trust/respect between management and employees.

IV. QUALITY COUNCILS ­ GENERAL

A. Purpose All QCs will foster TQI by providing visible leadership and encouragement through TQI techniques, by encouraging subordinate managers and employees to use TQI techniques, and by encouraging the integration of TQI with management support systems such as strategic planning, performance management, and awards and recognition.

B. Organization and membership The union may, at their discretion, select a number of employees equal to management's selections to serve on the Councils. There must be present at least one person from both management and union. In the event multiple unions participate in the program, the total number of union members on a council shall not exceed that of management and AFGE shall determine the union membership mix. All members will make every effort to attend the meetings. All quality council members must have had TQI awareness training. The union and management will endeavor to select employees who they feel best represent the various components of the organizational entity.

V. THE NATIONAL QUALITY COUNCIL

A. Purpose

1. Serves as the model for VA's TQI effort,

2. Provides leadership to foster TQI within VA, and

3. Supports the integration of TQI in the day-to-day operations of VA.

B. Membership

1. The NQC shall include up to 4 representatives each of both management and the NVAC, each with an equal voice. The NVAC President will make the selection of bargaining unit employees.

2. Each member of the Council will normally serve a minimum of 18 months. The Council will be co-chaired by the union and management.

C. Function

The NQC fosters implementation of TQI by:

1. Examining the National TQI Mission Statement and promoting the goals and principles established in it;

2. As necessary, establishing cross­functional and other projects designed to foster TQI throughout VA;

3. Providing assistance and support to other Councils;

4. Reviewing positive/negative TQI experiences from specific facilities as presented by National Council Members;

5. Establishing guidance, procedures, and format for implementing quality improvement projects at the NQC level:

6. Developing, or having developed, a system for facilities to access quality improvement projects; and

7. Operating under the rules and procedures specified in Appendix A.

VI. REGIONAL/AREA COUNCILS

Regional/Area Councils may be established at management's discretion. If such councils are established they shall comply with the guidelines for facility councils and/or national councils as appropriate.

VII. FACILITY QUALITY COUNCILS

A. Where practicable, based upon the size of the activity, each activity will establish a Facility Quality Council (FQC). Each FQC will operate under a charter which includes at a minimum a statement of purpose, organization, membership, responsibilities, and functions. This National/Local TQI agreement is not covered by E. O. 12871. However, if the parties mutually agree, they may combine the functions of the FQC and facility partnership council into one partnership council, otherwise they will have two separate councils.

B. Membership The membership shall be personnel who work at the facility. Each council will have a chairperson selected by consensus of the membership. The chair may be rotated periodically.

C. Service/Division Quality Councils (S/DQCs) may be established at the discretion of the FQC. The membership shall be personnel who work in the respective service/division.

D. Responsibilities

1. Promote TQI goals and principles,

2. Identify quality improvement opportunities,

3. Ensure all Council members are appropriately trained in the TQI process, and

4. Recognize participation and accomplishments in the TQI process.

E. Procedures

1. Each QC will establish its own operating procedures, deciding such issues as frequency of meetings, communication processes, and membership tenure. All QCs have the option to invite additional people to their meetings when the need for additional expertise arises. All QCs will make decisions based on consensus.

2. QCs are encouraged to use an experienced facilitator for conducting Council meetings for the first year.

3. All quality council meetings will be conducted during normal duty hours with the following exception: meetings may be held during normal/regular lunch or break periods with consensus of the council or team. Any overtime related to Quality Council work will be paid in accordance with governing directives and law. Union representative participation shall be considered duty Hours without the need to use official time.

4. Quality Councils sponsor QIT activities. The Councils:

a. Determine the scope of processes to be examined (e.g., is it a local or cross-component issue?);

b. Prioritize and select processes for team action in their scope of authority (office staffing needs and workloads will necessarily be considered in making these decisions);

c. Solicit volunteers and select team members, based on the particular skills and expertise needed by the team;

d. Monitor and support teams and individuals working on quality efforts, including obtaining or providing necessary training;

e. Obtain periodic reports from active teams; and

f. Obtain administrative support as necessary.

5. QCs receive recommendations from the QITs they have sponsored. They:

a. Review all recommendations from their teams;

b. Determine whether each recommendation is within their scope of authority to implement; and

c. Determine whether a recommendation should be referred to a higher level within the facility because of scope.

6. Implementation of recommendation from QITs will be handled as follows:

a. The S/DQCs will recommend to appropriate management quality improvement changes which can be implemented at the local level.

b. When practicable based upon the size of the facility, the FQC will receive recommendations from QITs they have sponsored and from the S/DQCs. The FQC will recommend to the appropriate senior management official those quality improvement changes that can be implemented at the Facility level.

c. The QIT recommendations may be adopted and implemented, returned to a QIT for reconsideration, or rejected. On a timely basis, reconsidered or rejected recommendations will be accompanied by a clear, reasoned explanation to the QIT.

d. Quality councils at the facility can approve projects within their scope and authority for QIT consideration. Projects involving cross­functional areas must be approved by the appropriate quality council. (national, facility, or service/division).

VIII. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TEAMS

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of QITs is to conduct quality improvement projects which will result in improved VA operations.

B. SCOPE OF PROJECTS

1. The Sponsoring Council will define the purpose and scope of each quality improvement project.

2. TQI initiatives will not focus on or result in loss of grades pay, or bargaining unit positions (i.e. reduction in staffing).

C. MEMBERSHIP

1. QIT members will be appointed by the appropriate Quality Council and may be drawn from employees in a VA component and representatives of outside groups, such as VA customers and partners who are closely associated with a particular process. The union may, at its discretion, designate a representative to fully participate as a member on each QIT without the need to use official time. The union representative will be appointed at the same time as other members of the QIT.

2. Employee participation in TQI is voluntary. Employees may resign from the team at any time by notifying a Team Leader in writing. Employees will be fully informed concerning TQI objectives and processes before their participation is requested. Employees will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to volunteer to serve on a team

3. Prior to serving on a team, employees will be trained on TQI techniques.

D. TEAM LEADERS

1. Are selected by the QIT, or QC;

2. May be any member of the team; and

3. Are responsible for calling meetings, communicating resource needs (e.g., personnel, training, funding, and equipment) and keeping the Council informed.

E. TEAM FACILITATORS

Team facilitators will be chosen by the Sponsoring QC and should be from outside the team. The facilitator must be trained in TQI problem solving methods and group dynamics. The facilitator may help in selecting and using problem­solving tools, train members of the team in their use, and help guide discussions.

F. UNION PARTICIPATION AND OFFICIAL TIME

1. The union has the right to be present at all QIT Meetings. The union will determine who the representative will be at the team meetings, and in the event that he/she cannot be released from duty, the union may designate another representative or request the meeting be postponed until they are available.

2. The union will be provided the same advance notice of meetings that team members receive. Official time to attend such meetings, not to exceed a total of 5 hours week/facility, shall be in addition to any official time presently allowed by local agreements.

G. PROCEDURES

1. Descriptions of improvement projects will be accessible to all facilities and QITs via computer, where practicable, based upon the size of the facility.

2. All QIT meetings will be conducted during normal duty hours with the following exception: meetings may be held during normal/regular lunch or break periods with consensus of the team. Any overtime related to QIT work will be paid in accordance with governing directives and law. Union representative participation shall be considered duty hours without the need to use official time.

3. Quality improvement projects will be selected by Quality Councils and/or QITs. When a QIT has selected a quality improvement project, the project will be submitted to the Quality Council for approval. Each QIT member will be trained in TQI techniques and will apply those techniques towards the successful completion of the improvement project(s) on which the team is working.

4. To the extent possible, teams will receive the support they need for projects. Projects not self-generated will be defined and presented to the team. Team members who happen to be Union representatives will serve on the team as employees, not as the Union's representative.

5. QIT meetings are to be scheduled on a regular basis. Management will make every effort to insure that bargaining unit team members are released from normal duties to attend meetings.

6. The Sponsoring Council and/or management are responsible, to the extent possible, for providing teams access to data, staff, and contractors and with resources (training, travel funds, equipment, office supplies, facilities, time, etc.) necessary to carry out the quality improvement project.

H. PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS

No adverse inference will be made in performance appraisals for professionally expressed opinions or positions taken on QIT issues by employees serving on QITs, or by employees not serving on QITs. Time spent performing QIT activities will not be evaluated in relation to performance standards of the employees' regular positions.

I. AWARDS

Any awards provided to TQI teams will be group awards Monetary awards for employees not participating on TQI teams will not be adversely affected due to non­participation.

IX. TRAINING

A. Every effort will be made to provide TQI awareness training to all employees. The union's on-site representatives located in each local facility will be trained at the same time as other bargaining unit employees in the facility. If multiple sessions are required, the union representative will be offered attendance in the first session held at his/her facility.

B. VA management agrees to provide facilitator training courses for those employees selected to serve as facilitators.

C. Management and union/bargaining unit employees will receive training appropriate to their TQI task or responsibility.

X. COMMUNICATION/PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. All existing "Mission Statements" will be jointly examined by the appropriate Quality Council with changes made as necessary. All new "Mission Statements" will be jointly developed by the appropriate Quality Council.

B. All TQI publications, memoranda, circulars, directives, etc., unique to AFGE will be identified by both the official VA and union logos.

XI MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Local Management

1. Local management will reimburse employee authorized travel and other authorized expenses related to TQI training and Council/Team participation.

2. The impact of TQI Council/Team meetings and workload/tasking will be recognized by supervisors as valid work and appropriate/necessary adjustments will be made to employees' normal work loads, concerning due date extensions, workload counts, and deadlines.

B. Central Office (CO) management will provide administrative support to the NQC. Specifically, CO will:

1. Provide overall staff support to the NQC.

2 Record, disseminate and modify/amend the minutes of all meetings of the NQC.

3. Compile, distribute, and maintain a TQI bibliography. Share expertise in the quality field with the Facility Councils.

4. Maintain an inventory of TQI courses and serve as liaison with the training coordinators of the Department.

5. Support the NQC in issuing the newsletter and in other communication efforts.

6. Provide support and assistance to quality councils, as necessary.

XII. NOTICE

A. Any local TQI agreement(s) in conflict with this charter will be superseded by this charter in those specific areas where the conflict exists.

B. It is understood that TQI now exists at some facilities and that it will require an expeditious transition period to implement all features of this TQI national agreement. The transition period will be no more than one hundred twenty (120) days from receipt of this program at the local station or conclusion of local bargaining, whichever is later, and less than one hundred twenty (120) days where possible.

The composition of QITs in existence prior to the effective date of this agreement shall not be affected by this agreement. Each facility will notify the local union of the QITs in existence prior to the effective date of this agreement.

C. It is recognized by both parties that TQI projects are initiated at all levels. VA management must pay special attention to its obligation to provide union notification before implementation of QIT recommendations where appropriate. VA management will closely monitor TQI activities at all levels to assure that managers do not bypass the union.

XIII. DURATION

Both the union and management recognize that to achieve cultural transformation, many changes in the operating process have to occur; therefore, either party may give written notice to reopen this charter 30 to 60 calendar days prior to the first annual anniversary of this charter. The request for renegotiating the provision(s) of this charter shall be in writing and submitted 30 days prior to beginning the negotiations. If reopened, all provisions of this charter shall remain in effect until conclusion of negotiations unless otherwise mutually agreed. Participation by an individual employee in the TQI effort remains voluntary despite any opposing position by management or the union.

Participation in the TQI effort remains voluntary. While either party may withdraw from the agreement at any time after 1 year, the parties are committed to utilizing TQI for 1 year from the conclusion of their transition period or the establishment of a program. Both union and management will consider withdrawal as the option of last resort only after extensive discussion and consultation fail to resolve a problem. The union maintains that participation in TQI is a union permissive right.

XIV. TRAINING

The Department will provide joint training to the parties prior to implementation of the TQI Program at the facility. The parties agree that the Department will provide the necessary resources and training to ensure a successful program.