You've just been ordered to submit a memorandum and there are no Union Representatives available to help direct you in writing your memo.  What do you do?

 

You have the right to seek Union representation.  According to the current Bargaining Agreement, under Article 31 B, section 3, you have the right to seek Union representation when you are ordered to submit a memorandum or when you are under investigation.  Additionally, you have 48 hours to contact a Union representative to assist you.

 

If you are denied this right, don't forget that your memorandum is a compelled statement.  You should reflect this in your memorandum and by all means, have another Agent look over your memorandum before you submit it.

 

If, after submitting your memorandum, your superior requests that you make changes to it, the Union advises you to make any grammatical changes (remember, your paperwork follows you for your entire career), however, if you are uncomfortable with certain changes to your memorandum, you do not have to make any changes.

 

Additionally, if you are writing a memorandum which may lead to an OIG investigation, be advised that they cannot see your memorandum because it is a compelled statement, at which point, your memorandum serves as a device which you are allowed to reflect upon during the interview.