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Bargaining Unit Status (BUS)
General Information
Bargaining unit status (BUS) codes are more than just numbers; they represent collective bargaining rights, entitlements to national consultation rights, and entitlements to official time for representation under federal law. Bargaining unit status refers to an employee’s eligibility to be represented by a labor union within the federal government. This status is indicated by a code, which can be found in Block 37 on the Standard Form 50 (SF-50).
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains a list of bargaining unit names and codes on their Federal Labor Management Information System (FLIS) website.
Federal Labor Management Information System
General Guidance
The criteria for determining whether a position is excluded from the bargaining unit (and coded as 8888) is established by law. Types of positions excluded from coverage by a bargaining unit are found in 5 U.S.C. § 7112{b)(ll through (7).
Definitions relevant to making determinations regarding exclusion from a bargaining unit are found in 5 U.S.C. § 7103(a). If the position is not excluded from the bargaining unit by law, then a determination must be made as to whether the position is not in a bargaining unit (BUS code 7777) or in a bargaining unit (BUS code for the bargaining unit).
Key Bargaining Unit Status Codes
Bargaining Unit Status: XXXX
You are a NFFE-xxx Bargaining Unit Employee. You are covered by the NFFE-xxx Master Agreement.
Bargaining Unit Status: 7777
You are not a NFFE-xxx Bargaining Unit Employee. You are not covered by the NFFE-xxx Master Agreement.
An SF-50 with a code of 7777 in Block 37 indicates that your position is eligible for coverage by a bargaining unit, but no unit currently exists. If you are in a position with this code, you should contact your FS HRM or an attorney knowledgeable in federal employee law to verify your eligibility and any steps necessary to join a bargaining unit.
Bargaining Unit Status: 8888
You are not a NFFE-xxx Bargaining Unit Employee. You are not covered by the NFFE-xxx Master Agreement.
An SF-50 with a code of 8888 in Block 37 indicates you are excluded from representation by any federal union.
This does not necessarily mean that an entire unit is exempt from Union representation. Because the position itself is covered, the duties of the position must be reviewed. A position might be in a unit which has Union representation but the position may be coded as 8888 because of an exemption. The Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute identifies those positions that are excluded from a Bargaining Unit. See list below for 6 categories of Bargaining Unit exclusions:
-Management Officials
-Supervisors
-Confidential Employees (Only refers to those with direct access to Labor-Management Relations info)
-Employees engaged in Personnel Work
-Employees engaged in National Security activities
-Employees involved in Internal Audit functions
Bullying / Harassment
General Information
Bullying and harassment are both forms of aggressive behavior that can create hostile environments, but they have distinct characteristics and legal implications. Bullying typically involves repeated, unwanted actions that target an individual, often exploiting an imbalance of power, and can be based on various traits or characteristics of the victim.
Harassment, on the other hand, is often legally defined as behavior that is based on a protected class, such as race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
National Park Service Policy
The National Park Service is committed to maintaining a work environment in which all people are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, and are free from harassment, bullying, and retaliation. This policy applies to all National Park service employees in their working relationship with other Federal employees, non-Federal employees, and the public. The policy also applies to persons working under contract or other formal agreements with the National Park Service, such as Administratively Determined (AD) and volunteers.
National Park Service Anti-Harassment Policy LINK NEEDED
Union Master Agreement
INSERT ARTICLES FROM OUR MASTER AGREEMENT PERTAINING TO EMPLOYEE RIGHTS REGARDING TO BULLYING/ HARRASMENT, ETC
The above is not all Master Agreement information on bullying and harassment. Bargaining Unit Employees are encourage to read the MA and contact a Union Steward for further information and assistance.
NFFE-Local 465 Committees
General Information
Local 465 Committees are standing committees addressing ongoing concerns and issues with Bargaining Unit Employees and Union Members. Each is staffed by subject matter experts in the respective areas of interest.
Local 465 Committees
Communications
etc
etc
Government Shutdown
General Information
The House passed the Continuing Resolution (CR) on January 08, 2026, in a 397-28 vote. The Senate passed the CR on January 15, 2026, in a 82-15 vote. The president signed the legislation on January 23, 2026.
The CR will expire on September 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 pm ET.
Background: Government Shutdowns
When there is a budget impasse where Congress has not passed required appropriations, this page activates to assist Union members and Bargaining Unit Employees in the event of a budget funding lapse and federal employees are furloughed. All government shutdowns have been precipitated by a lapse in government appropriations.
Historically, a government shutdown due to a lapse is appropriated funding has significant impact upon a large segment of federal employees, but not all.
Historically, a government shutdown due to a lapse is appropriated funding has had minimal, indirect impact upon most Americans.
Federal Shutdown Information
Biden White House Archives: Agency Contingency Plans
Trump White House: Agency Contingency Plans. This is a dead link as the Trump administration offers no help to federal employees.
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Government Shutdowns Q&A: Everything You Should Know
2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act
As a reminder, NFFE fought hard to pass the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act . This ensures that in the event of a funding lapse, all furloughed employees will receive their pay retroactively upon the government reopening. In the past, furloughed employees relied on the Congress to grant special authority to pay workers for the time spent at home during a shutdown. Under the 2019 law, all affected federal workers are guaranteed to receive backpay.
What happens if a shutdown happens?
- Report to work as usual unless the Park Service informs you in writing that you are officially furloughed. Otherwise, you risk an unexcused absence if you are not furloughed.
- Review your personal finances and prepare for the possibility of delayed paychecks.
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Shutdown Support for Federal Employees
Comprehensive Support List – Banks
Comprehensive Support List – Credit Unions
Comprehensive Support List – Food Banks
Consumer Financial for Credit Counseling
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund for Federal Civilian Employees
Partnership for Public Service: Resources for Federal Employees
NYT: How Federal Workers Can Find Financial Assistance as Shutdown Drags On
Unemployment Compensation for Furloughed Federal Employees and Contractors: A Guide to the Shutdown
AFL-CIO: State Resources for Shutdown-Impacted Federal Employees
Other Resources
DOL Unemployment Insurance Q&A – Adobe File – 119.18 kB.
2015 OMB Furlough Guidance – Adobe File – 441.30 kB.
2021 OMB Furlough Guidance – Adobe File – 588.68 kB.
2021 OMB Agency Operations during a Lapse in Appropriations FAQs – Adobe File – 275.82 kB.
2025 OPM Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs (September 28, 2025) – Adobe File – 646.30 kB.
