Coalition of Federal Labor Groups Calls for FLRA Budget Boost in FY12

(Federal Workers Alliance)

In a letter to President Obama last week, the Federal Workers Alliance (FWA) called for a modest increase to the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s (FLRA) budget for fiscal year 2012. In his fiscal year 2011 budget, the President called for $26 million, a figure that the FWA says must be raised to $30 million in order for the agency to properly address its overburdened caseload.

Due to inadequate staff, the agency has amassed a significant number of over-aged cases of 120 days or older, which significantly undermines effective labor-management relations at agencies throughout the federal government.

The FLRA is a small federal agency responsible for administering labor relations statute within the federal workforce. In much of the last decade, the agency weathered severe underfunding, nearly grinding its operation to a standstill. With the additional funding, the agency’s budget would return to inflation-adjusted levels from the year 2000.

The additional funds will be crucial for the agency to carry out its critical mission for the federal workforce, and the American people.