Informal process proves successful

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Morgan
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In January 2011, Dover Air Force Base, Del., partnered with the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1709 to establish a Labor Management Forum (LMF) designed to improve relations between civilian employees and management.

Since its inception, one goal of the LMF has been to formulate sub-labor management forums across the base in order to solve issues at the lowest level possible. By October 2011, the last sub-LMF was created, and according to both labor and management, the forums have been a success.

"Through Labor Management Forums we have developed a partnership that's proven to produce results in resolution of issues between [labor] and management," said Jerry Davies, president of the AFGE Local 1709. "Success of these forums is attributed to both parties' willingness to establish a collaborative working relationship. It's been a pleasure to work with management knowing we all have the same goals in mind and a can do attitude. Much credit goes to Col. [Mark] Camerer, [commander of the 436th Airlift Wing] and his staff, who took this initiative ... and opened their doors to the union to work together harmoniously."

There are six sub-LMFs, including the 512th Airlift Wing, the 436th Mission Support Group, the 436th Maintenance Group, the 436th Operations Group, the 436th Medical Group, and one for the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center.

The LMF meets once a quarter to discuss open action items, metrics and upcoming events.

In its second meeting after its beginning, the LMF reported eight informal resolutions to disputes; in the third meeting the LMF reported 13 informal resolutions. During the same time frame, the number of formal grievances has also gone down.

"Resolving the issue at the lowest level is more effective," said Colette McCulley. "It protects and enhances working relationships between employees and supervisors as well as between supervisors and the union."

In 2011, an employee satisfaction survey was conducted, and according to McCulley, it indicated that there is a need to improve employee and supervisor perceptions of labor and management communications.

A similar survey will be conducted later this year, and both the AFGE Local 1709 and management at Dover AFB expect much better results.

"We are receiving phone calls about our charter from many other bases interested in starting LMFs," said McCulley. "We are setting a precedent and a great way to judge our productiveness is with a new survey."