Customs and Border Protection denied awards to 13 employees working in Orlando, Fla., in 2015 though they qualified for the Foreign Language Awards Program (FLAP). NTEU made sure CBP paid those awards. It’s just another example of NTEU advocating for federal employees.
Thirteen Customs and Border Protection employees in Orlando got a rude surprise in late 2015. CBP decided against making extra payments they were entitled to under the Foreign Language Awards Program.
NTEU Chapter 278 (CBP Orlando) fought for the 11 CBP Officers and two Agricultural Specialists, who had used their foreign language skills for at least 10 percent of their working hours as FLAP requires.
CBP objected, saying that the employees had failed to formally log their hours. But, as Chapter 278 President Jose Morales pointed out, CBP’s action is illegal because the agency hadn’t told its Orlando employees to keep logs. An honor system has long been in place in Orlando and the employees had indeed performed the duties that entitled them to receiving FLAP.
In the face of pressure from NTEU, CBP relented. From now on, FLAP-eligible employees in Orlando will keep formal logs.
Each of the 13 employees got awards ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
That’s not the end of the flap over FLAP in Orlando.
NTEU is also working to persuade CBP to give full FLAP awards to five additional employees who were granted only half the amounts they’re entitled to due to a technicality.