FLRA NEWS

February 8, 2000 · PR 103-00
Contact: Patty Reilly
202-482-6500

President Clinton has appointed Donald S. Wasserman as Chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Mr. Wasserman, a member of the Authority since 1996, assumes the position of Chair that was recently vacated by Phyllis N. Segal.

Before joining the FLRA, Mr. Wasserman was Director of Research and Collective Bargaining for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). In his work for AFSCME, Mr. Wasserman served as a key spokesperson and policy-maker, worked with state and local "blue ribbon" commissions to guide the legislative process with respect to new labor-management programs, and served as chief negotiator in establishing initial collective bargaining agreements with states and major local governments. He also participated in a broad range of alternative dispute resolution procedures. Mr. Wasserman led the union's participation in efforts to reinvent/redesign government services and to accomplish civil service reform. He coordinated AFSCME's activity in its initial response to National Performance Review and the Partnership Council.

Mr. Wasserman was formerly on the Board of Directors of the National Bureau of Economic Research, the Executive Board of the Industrial Relations Research Association (IRRA) and President of the Washington, D.C. IRRA chapter; and was a founding member of the National Academy of Social Insurance. Mr. Wasserman earned a B.S. from Temple University and a M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The FLRA is an independent agency that administers the labor-management relations program for 1.9 million non-Postal Service Federal employees worldwide, approximately 1.1 million of whom are exclusively represented in 2,200 bargaining units. It is charged with providing leadership in establishing policies and guidance related to Federal sector labor-management relations and with resolving disputes under and ensuring compliance with the Statute.

Questions regarding the appointment of Mr. Wasserman may be directed to Patty Reilly at (202)-482-6500.