FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2002

Contact: Edmund Byrnes (202) 606-2402

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US Office of Personnel Management Director to Address Symposium On Employee and Labor Relations (SOELR)

Washington, DC - On Tuesday, March 12, the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kay Coles James, will open the SOELR 2002 conference with a panel discussion on labor-management cooperation. During the discussion, she will address the importance of maintaining a work force that is "citizen-centered, results-oriented and market-driven."

SOELR 2002 is a significant OPM initiative to help agencies retain and develop a high-performing work force that achieves a standard of excellence in attaining the human relations outcomes important to the nation.

Special focus will be placed on dealing effectively with poor performers, maintaining high standards of employee honesty and integrity, and fostering a work force that is committed to working with management to achieve results.

WHAT:	OPM Director's opening statement at the 2002 SOELR conference
PLACE:	Albuquerque New Mexico Convention Center 401 Second Street, NW Albuquerque, New Mexico
WHEN:	Tuesday, March 12
TIME:	5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Media planning to attend should contact Rusty Asher at (202) 606-2427 or wrasher@opm.gov.

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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.