August 10, 2001
MEMORANDUM
To: Deputy
Secretary
Solicitor
Chief
of Staff
Inspector
General
Assistant
Secretaries
Bureau
and Office Heads
From: Secretary
/s/ Gale A. Norton
Subject: Policy
on Labor-Management Cooperation
I endorse the concept of labor-management cooperation
for the purpose of furthering the mission and goals of the Department.
Experience has shown that constructive relationships
that recognize mission goals are both more productive and cost effective. To most effectively fulfill their
relationships, it is imperative that management officials advocate and enhance
consultation, cooperation and communications with employee labor unions. Further, the ability to manage conflict and
resolve differences is an integral part of a manager’s responsibilities. Since conflicts, including employment
disputes, can interfere with the accomplishment of our missions, successful
managers must deal with such situations effectively and efficiently, using a
range of conflict management tools. In
this regard, managers should, wherever possible, engage in interest-based
problem solving, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes.
I am confident, with your support of and adherence to
this policy, we will have cooperative
labor-relationships that focus on meeting our mission goals.