Article 14
Partnership

Section 14.01

The parties commit to actively pursuing a partnership that will improve the quality of work life for employees, foster a cooperative labor-management relationship which facilitates the timely and efficient resolution of work place issues, and maximizes the participation of employees in achieving the agency's mission. To accomplish these and other mutual objectives, the parties agree to take steps to reinstate the DOE/NTEU Headquarters Partnership Council ("HPC") within 30 days of the effective date of this agreement.

Section 14.02

The parties will use an interest-based bargaining approach to revise the Headquarters Partnership Agreement. In addition to defining the roles and responsibilities of the HPC, the Partnership Agreement will establish a process for pre-decisional involvement, collaborative problem-solving, consensus decision-making, and the negotiation of matters set forth in 5 U.S.C. 7106(b)(1). The Partnership Agreement will also provide third-party mediation-arbitration where DOE and NTEU mutually agree, to resolve any bargaining impasse involving the substance of a matter contained in 5 U.S.C. 7106(b)(1); however, absent mutual agreement, either party may seek a recommended solution through the use of an advisory arbitration process, the recommendations of which are binding only if accepted by both parties. Notwithstanding the aforementioned understanding on substantive (b)(1) matters, NTEU retains the right to negotiate over the impact and implementation of any action or decision taken by Management which affects the personnel policies, practices, and/or conditions of employment of bargaining unit employees, including matters covered under 5 U.S.C. 7106(b)(1), for which agreement was not reached pursuant to the provisions of the Partnership Agreement. The parties recognize the value of open and honest communications, and the sharing of information at the earliest possible time, and that such principles should be incorporated into appropriate HPC governing documents.

Section 14.03

The parties agree to follow the specific commitments and procedures set out in the existing DOE/NTEU Headquarters Partnership Agreement as currently in effect, and as amended pursuant to this Article. A general review of the Agreement will be undertaken during the initial HPC meeting (and at subsequent meetings, as required) to accomplish necessary modifications to the Partnership Agreement. To assist the parties, ongoing training will be made available for HPC members, which focuses on strategies and behaviors that will improve the labor-management relationship, promote effective communications, and strengthen the partnership. Moreover, all meeting and bargaining sessions will include a mutually-agreed upon facilitator.

Section 14.04

The HPC will determine and provide direction regarding the establishment of other partnership councils within headquarters. Furthermore, where appropriate, the respective chapter presidents, the relevant program office, and Headquarters Labor Relations Services will coordinate efforts to establish first tier partnership agreements within individual program offices.