Reference no: EM131706928

Question: The staff auditors and clerks at the federal Internal Revenue Service Processing Center in Andover, Massachusetts are represented by the National Treasury Employees Union. During the months of February, March, and April, the employees are required to work twelve-hour shifts to process the huge volume of income tax returns. In January, 2009, the director of the processing center notifies the employees that as of February 15, they will be required to work double shifts. The union officials plan a "sick-out" to protest-the workers will take turns calling in sick and refuse to work at least one day a week. Does the union's action violate federal law? What, if any, actions can be taken against the union? What, if any, actions can be taken against the employees? Explain.