What Does NASCOE Do For Me

What Does NASCOE Do For Me?

Submitted by PT Director Charlene Stone, Trumbull Ohio

Used with Permission

Because we are not Federal employees, NASCOE fights for every benefit that we receive. This includes everything from the yearly cost of living increases to job reclassifications. All of which puts MORE money into your pocket then it costs to be a member! Take a look below at some of the accomplishments made by NASCOE you may be surprised to see what all they have done. As you will see NASCOE has worked very hard for YOU!

1960's

Government Life Insurance
Civil Service Retirement
Severance Pay
Increased Leave Earnings
Transfer Employment into USDA without loss of grade, leave or tenure
Pay Increases – Timed with Civil Service's

1970's

Reclassification of CED's and PA's
Secured "Saved Grades" where grades were reduced due to reduction in workload and/or reclassification.
Credit for past County Office experience in lieu of education for CED training positions.
Vacancies in jobs above the County Office level now released to the County Office.
Secured a Washington consultant to represent interest of County Committee employees.

1980's

Grievance Procedure
Travel Co-op and NASCOE Travel Service
Scholarship Program
Legislative Fund
Eye Wear service discount
Advertising Program Assistant vacancies to County Offices within the state
Magic Kingdom Club Card
Passage of Transfer Bill
Supplemental Insurance on payroll withholding
Upgrading of PA job description
Negotiated with Management for a significant increase in number of Grade 12 offices.

1990's

PA reclassification approved
CED reclassification approved
CPA reclassification eligible for upgrades
Lead PA grade increase in shared management offices
Compressed work schedule made available
ASCS/FSA Awards Program increased 500%
Donor Leave Program Implemented
Grievance procedure reintroduced in handbook procedure
Appeals procedure information available to those needing
Scholarship program increased
Legislative program improved
Maxi-flex Implemented

Current Achievements

NASCOE accomplished a significant increase in CED upgrades including all remaining CO-9 CED's.
NASCOE accomplished reconsideration of all county office closures
NASCOE got CO and GS employees on a level playing field when competing for federal jobs
NASCOE got loan approval authority for CO employees who complete training
NASCOE negotiated with FSA to ensure that suspensions pending investigation will occur only when credible evidence is produced.
NASCOE got NAP added under the Program Variety element and soybean/oilseeds added under the Crop Production element in the CED Classification and Pay Plan.

NASCOE's efforts for increased staffing led to an increase in Ohio's staff by approximately 30 full time positions!

Future Goals of NASCOE

Establish and project a sense of pride in FSA and the NASCOE organization.
Strive to protect and improve benefits that employees currently have.
Continue to work toward PT and CED upgrades and other benefits with a priority on those who have waited the longest on these improvements.
Emphasize the need for training to improve the image and ability of FSA & NASCOE people to serve this national agriculture community.
Work for and actively pursue good working relationships among employees of all USDA agencies.
Seek benefits and privileges that are equal to those enjoyed by other federal employees.
Continue to work with and support the County Committee System and the National Association of Farmer Elected Committees (NAFEC).
Continue to work and support Commodity Groups in promoting agriculture throughout the nation.
Keep NASCOE members and potential members informed about NASCOE activities
Strive to attain proper staffing levels for the county offices
Strive for 100% Membership of FSA employees in NASCOE.