FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2002

Contact: Michael Orenstein (202) 606-2402

---

OPM Director Addresses NTEU Conference

Washington, D.C. -- Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, today told national officials and members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) that her agency and federal employee unions are "natural partners" who must work together to ensure that public servants are "appropriately recognized and rewarded" for their contributions.

"I do not have much use for the old paradigm where labor and management spend much of their time trying to oppose, outsmart, or defeat each other," said James. "That approach has no place in the federal government of the 21st century."

James' remarks were delivered to attendees at the National Treasury Employees Union Legislative Conference in Washington. NTEU President Colleen Kelley received a personal endorsement from James, who called the union leader "gutsy" and "a straight shooter."

"I can work with anyone when the atmosphere is open, honest and straight-forward," said James. "This is what NTEU is all about under Colleen's leadership." James added that Kelley was one of the first people she sought out after being nominated to lead OPM, and that their relationship allows for honest and open dialogue on the issues.

James said that federal employees and their representatives have an ally in President Bush, who supports efforts to foster labor-management relations, but opposes "mandates" that force partnership.

James drew cheers from the audience when she discussed the soon-to-be-available long-term care insurance benefit for federal employees, the military, retirees, and eligible family members, as well as her support for flexible spending accounts, which are favored by NTEU.

- END -

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.