OPM EXTINGUISHES TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN AGENCY BUILDINGS

Washington, D.C. -- The only thing that OPM employees will light-up in their offices next year is the "idea light bulb" over their heads as they continue contributing new ideas to improve customer service. Beginning February 1, 1994, smoking will be prohibited inside OPM headquarters and all OPM-controlled space in the Washington area.

The new policy to ban smoking was forged by OPM's Labor-Management Committee, which includes leadership from OPM and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 32. With this action, OPM joins a rapidly-growing number of federal agencies and private-sector companies to outlaw smoking in office buildings.

"The decision to prohibit smoking in OPM is another step toward creating a healthy, more productive and professional environment for employees," said Jim King. "And I firmly believe that our decision here will be a stepping-stone in convincing those still smoking to kick the habit entirely. Once and for all."

Director King and AFGE Local 32 President Tyrone Couey will sign the negotiated agreement at a meeting on:

Wednesday, October 27, 1993, 2 p.m.
Office of Personnel Management
The Pendleton Room, Room 5329

"Each and every employee--smoker and non-smoker alike--will benefit from this joint effort of management and labor," said Tyrone Couey. "This action begins a new era in labor-management cooperation, and I can think of no better cause to start us on this journey."

The new policy banning smoking affects employees and visitors in the Theodore Roosevelt Building, as well as in all OPM-occupied space which falls under provisions of the Negotiated Agreement between the agency and AFGE Local 32. Staggered implementation of the ban begins on December 1, 1993.

Smoking will be permitted on OPM's outside grounds in designated areas only. Current OPM policy, revised in the early 1980's, restricts smoking to private offices, specified restrooms and other designated areas.

Current policy restricts smoking to designated areas. OPM Regional and Area Offices also will become smoke-free on a separate timetable.

To assist employees who smoke and would like to quit, OPM will redouble its efforts to publicize and support agency-sponsored smoking cessation classes.

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