The Department has historically encouraged cooperation between labor and management as an effective means to promote government efficiency. On August 10, 2001, Secretary Norton issued her Policy on Labor-Management Cooperation endorsing the concept of labor-management cooperation for the purpose of furthering the mission and goals of the Department. Cooperative labor-management relationships are guided by basic principles of commitment, trust, mutual respect, fairness, open communication and understanding. While they may vary from organization to organization, one essential characteristic exists in all, a desire to change the traditional labor-management relationship using collaborative or interest-based problem solving to resolve workplace issues. cooperative labor-management relationships can be a highly effective tool for creating positive change and improving the Department's overall effectiveness and efficiency.

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