Legality of Collective Bargaining Proposals

A ruling was requested on certain collective bargaining agreement provisions determined to be non-negotiable by the Secretary of Agriculture. If the Secretary of Agriculture determines that it is necessary to wear protective cooler clothing, appropriated funds may be used for these items, but applicable laws and regulations do not preclude negotiations on this matter. Door-to-door mileage allowances for meat grader employees who use their private vehicles cannot be allowed because employees must bear the cost of travel between home and official headquarters. A maximum mileage rate for employees using private vehicles is contrary to Federal Travel Regulations.