FLRA NEWS


FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY · WASHINGTON, DC · 20424

April 16, 2002 · PR 101-03
Contact: Jill Crumpacker
202-482-6690, ex. 406

FEDERAL SERVICE IMPASSES PANEL BEGINS WORK

Last week, the Federal Service Impasses Panel (Panel) met in Washington, D.C. to begin formal work.  U.S. Department of Labor Solicitor, Eugene Scalia, administered the Oath of Office and presented the Commission of Presidential Appointment to Chairman Becky Norton Dunlop and to Members Richard Barber Ainsworth, Andrea Fischer Newman, and Joseph Carter Whitaker.

Referring to the underlying purpose for the congressional establishment of the Panel and the President’s vision for improving Government, Chairman Dunlop noted, “I look forward to working with Members Ainsworth, Newman, and Whitaker in promoting a citizen-centered, results-oriented perspective that focuses on efficient and effective government.”

The Panel is the component of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) that resolves impasses between Federal agencies and unions representing employees arising from negotiations over conditions of employment.

Breaking from the work of the two-day agenda, the Panel Members and Panel staff greeted representatives of Federal agencies and unions during an open house hosted by FLRA Chairman Dale Cabaniss. “I very much enjoyed meeting the many representatives who took the time to stop by and visit, as did the other Panel Members,” said Chairman Dunlop.“ I am confident that I speak for all of the Panel members in saying that we look forward to working with agencies and unions to resolve bargaining differences, when those differences cannot be resolved by other means,” she added. “The broad range of experiences that our Members bring to their positions and their commitment to public service will complement the process of promoting ways for agencies and unions to work together to meet their particular interests.”

Panel Chairman, Becky Norton Dunlop, of Arlington, Virginia, currently serves as Vice President of External Relations for Heritage Foundation, overseeing strategic outreach and communications to public policy institutions, state government officials, and business and community leaders. Mrs. Dunlop previously served in the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel and Director of the President's Cabinet Office, during the Reagan Administration. From 1987 to 1989, she was Deputy Under Secretary of the Department of Interior and Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.  In 1985 and 1986, she served in the Department of Justice as Senior Special Assistant to the Attorney General.

Richard Barber Ainsworth, of Cleveland, Ohio, is a private sector senior executive with extensive experience in business, investment management, and strategic planning.   Mr. Ainsworth received a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.He is a Vietnam Veteran who served on active duty with the United States Navy.

Andrea Fischer Newman, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is currently head of government affairs for Northwest Airlines. She has significant experience in labor-management negotiations and addressing employee disputes. Ms. Newman previously served as a special counsel for the assistant secretary of defense for acquisition and logistics, during the Reagan Administration, and as a deputy assistant to then Vice President George Bush. She has also been in private law practice with the Washington, D.C. law firm of Patton, Boggs.

Joseph Carter Whitaker, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has extensive business experience at all levels of the construction field, including in-depth involvement with negotiations and collective bargaining between management and unions.  Currently, he serves as CEO of Whitaker Construction, the third generation president of a 70-year-old family-owned business.


 

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