[Query Concerning Propriety of Granting Compensatory Time Off for Regularly Scheduled Overtime]

GAO considered a joint submission from an agency and a union to determine whether employees covered by a contract between the union and the agency could choose between compensatory time and overtime pay for regularly scheduled overtime. GAO found that, while the contract specified that employees could choose between the two forms of compensation, Federal law allows compensatory time only in the case of irregular or occasional overtime work. The overtime work performed by the employees did not meet the definition of irregular or occasional overtime work under Office of Personnel Management regulations. GAO concluded that since the contract provision allowing employees to take compensatory time is in conflict with Federal rules and regulations it is null and void.