PREPARING FOR PARTNERSHIP: OPM INTRODUCES COURSE WORK ON LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

Washington, D.C. -- Valuable new courses on "conflict resolution" and "interest-based problem solving" are being offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in the next step toward the Clinton Administration's goal of having labor and management work together for the good of the federal work force and America's taxpayers.

In October 1993, President Clinton issued an Executive Order instructing agencies to work in partnership with employee unions.

"OPM's commitment to successful labor-management relations is demonstrated once more with the addition of these courses to our lineup," said OPM Director Jim King. "We have anticipated the needs of our government-wide customers by offering courses that will help both management and labor attain the goals of true partnership."

The new courses offered by OPM reemphasize the agency's commitment to be a leader in the reform of the federal workplace and to help President Clinton reach his goal of making government work better and cost less.

"ADR: Approaches to Conflict Resolution" offers information on a variety of alternative dispute resolution methods. With exposure to ADR methods and the ability to identify opportunities to implement ADR in partnership environments, the course will help federal employees and managers resolve workplace disputes.

"Interest-Based Problem Solving and How to Apply It to Negotiations" provides labor and management representatives an opportunity to explore the benefits of committing to a non-adversarial negotiation process. Also known as "win-win" negotiations, all parties use their desire to achieve common goals as a springboard for discussions.

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Web page created 2 December 1997