FLRA NEWS

FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY · WASHINGTON, DC · 20424

February 12, 1996 · PR 105-96
Contact: Helenann Hirsch
202-482-6500

The Federal Labor Relations Authority today announced that the number of unfair labor practice charges filed with the FLRA’s Office of the General Counsel dropped 28% over the last two fiscal years.

"The Office of the General Counsel has been targeting historically high unfair labor practice filers for specialized intervention services that emphasize alternative approaches to resolving conflict," said General Counsel Joseph Swerdzewski. "It looks like these efforts are beginning to pay off. Unions and agencies are working together to resolve problems themselves before they turn to costly, time-consuming litigation."

Swerdzewski emphasized that the pay-off was more that just cost-savings related to reduced litigation, but also through enhanced customer service. "Encouraging parties to work together, instead of against each other, not only reduces litigation and its attendant costs, it allows unions and agencies to focus their efforts on working together to provide quality customer service."

Swerdzewski also referred to the results of a 1995 Outreach Survey as an indication that the specialized intervention services are beginning to show results. That survey revealed that unfair labor practice filings dropped by nearly 35% at those agencies where the services were provided by the Office of the General Counsel. The intervention services assist the parties in developing collaborative relationships and in using interest-based approaches to problem-solving and other alternative dispute resolution techniques. The General Counsel’s recently issued Intervention Policy expands the availability of these services to more parties. For copies of the Policy call (202) 582-6690, extension 202, or fax your request to (202) 482-6608.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority is an independent agency that administers the labor-management relations program for over 1.9 million federal employees world-wide. The Office of the General Counsel is the independent component of the FLRA that investigates, settles and prosecutes unfair labor practice charges.