Staff Quarters Guidelines

The bargaining agent sought an interpretation of FSD 25 in regard to Staff Quarter Guidelines issued by the department.

The bargaining agent was concerned that the application of the Guidelines would eventually result in the allotment of accommodation which would not satisfy the minimum requirements of FSD 25.

The Administrative Committee noted that the report of the Foreign Service Directives Committee indicated that there was some difference of opinion as to the eventual outcome of the application of the Guidelines. However, there was consensus that the Guidelines would not result in a lower standard of accommodation than the previous minimum. However, with respect to specific cases, it is possible that, as happened under the previous guidelines, an employee may be allocated accommodation which does not meet the minimum standard. In such a case an Accommodation Deficiency Adjustment would apply.

The Administrative Committee agreed with those members of the Foreign Service Directives Committee who advised that the Guidelines were within the intent of the Directives.