News Release

OPM Director Honors Agencies With Outstanding Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

Washington, D.C. - During a ceremony at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Director Kay Coles James congratulated and honored the achievements of agencies with highly effective Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs. James also stressed the need to continually improve the programs so that their effectiveness is maintained.

"The programs we honor today are first-rate examples of good human-capital practices that help carry out the President's Management Agenda," said James. "But we must continue to improve the programs so that we can effectively and efficiently manage any personnel disputes that may arise."

The programs that were presented with the 2002 OPM Director's Award for Outstanding ADR Programs demonstrated creative approaches to settle workplace disputes, and each of the programs helped bring down the costs normally associated with the traditional, formal proceedings under the federal government's dispute resolution system.

Recipients of the 2002 OPM Director's Award for Outstanding ADR Programs are: the Farm Service Agency's Workplace Dispute Resolution Program; the Department of the Navy's Workplace Alternative Dispute Resolution Program; and, the Department of Health and Human Services Washington D.C. - Baltimore Area Sharing Neutrals Program.

In addition to James, attendees included agency Dispute Resolution Specialists; Directors of Agency Legal Offices and legal staff; Directors of Human Resources and other human resources staff; and, Directors of Equal Employment Opportunity and EEO specialists.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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