Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service v. Federal Labor Relations Authority, National Treasury Employees Union, Intervenor

Opinion for the Court filed by Senior Circuit Judge FAIRCHILD.

FAIRCHILD, Senior Circuit Judge:

The Federal Labor Relations Authority (the Authority) has ordered the Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury (the Agency) to bargain with the National Treasury Employees Union (the Union) concerning a Union proposal that the Agency agree to pay travel expenses incurred by employees while using “official time,” granted under 5 U.S.C. § 7131(a) or (d), in representing the Union. The Agency has petitioned for review and the Authority for enforcement.

Congress has provided for a system of…