The Agency has agreed to settle the grievance concerning the unilateral implementation of the revised canine unit policy by rescinding it and reverting back to the August 2001 policy. Any employees who believe that they were harmed in any manner by the revised canine unit policy have until April 15, 2009 to file a grievance concerning such matter(s).

This includes, but is by no means limited to, current handlers who were harmed in any manner for failure to comply with the revised policy, including performance-related actions, disciplinary actions, financial harm, etc., handlers who were removed from the program for alleged failure to meet any of the new or revised requirements, applicants who were not considered for or appointed to the program for any reasons related to the revised policy, and any other employees who believe that the revised canine unit policy adversely affected them in any manner.

Please contact one of your Local officers or stewards if you believe that you were harmed in any manner by the revised canine unit policy and want to seek corrective action. Remember, the deadline for filing is April 15, 2009, so you must act quickly if you want to preserve your rights regarding this matter.

Read the settlement agreement