IRS workers' union hails agency reversal

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The union that represents Internal Revenue Service workers claimed credit for the federal agency's decision not to close 68 taxpayer assistance centers.

The decision was a "huge victory" for U.S. taxpayers, said Colleen M. Kelley, head of the National Treasury Employees Union.

The policy reversal "serves well the very large number of taxpayers who will continue to have available the in-person assistance of IRS employees," as they seek to meet their tax obligations, she said after last week's decision.

Hundreds of NTEU members participated in rallies and press conferences -- often attended by local and federal elected officials -- that educated the public on the severe impact the loss of a center would have on a city, town or even a region.