LABOR-MANAGEMENT COOPERATION PROGRAM
APPLICATION SOLICITATION FOR LABOR-MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FY1998
INTRODUCTION
The following is the final solicitation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 cycle of the
Labor-Management Cooperation Program as it pertains to the support of labor-management
committees. These guidelines represent the continuing efforts of the Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service to implement the provisions of the Labor-Management Cooperation Act
of 1978 which was initially implemented in FY81. The Act generally authorizes FMCS to
provide assistance in the establishment and operation of company/plant, area, public
sector, and industry-wide labor-management committees which:
- have been organized jointly by employers and labor
organizations representing employees in that company/plant, area, government agency, or
industry; and
- are established for the purpose of improving
labor-management relationships, job security, and organizational effectiveness; enhancing
economic development; or involving workers in decisions affecting their jobs, including
improving communication with respect to subjects of mutual interest and concern.
The Program Description and other sections that follow, as
well as a separately published FMCS Financial and Administrative Grants Manual, make up
the basic guidelines, criteria, and program elements a potential applicant for assistance
under this program must know in order to develop an application for funding consideration
for either a company/plant, area-wide, industry, or public sector labor-management
committee. Directions for obtaining an application kit and an optional video tape may be
found in Section H. A copy of the Labor-Management Cooperation Act of 1978, included in
the application kit, should be reviewed in conjunction with this solicitation.
- Program Description
Objectives
The Labor-Management Cooperation Act of 1978 identifies
the following seven general areas for which financial assistance would be appropriate:
- to improve communication between representatives of labor
and management;
- to provide workers and employers with opportunities to
study and explore new and innovative joint approaches to achieving organizational
effectiveness;
- to assist workers and employers in solving problems of
mutual concern not susceptible to resolution within the collective bargaining process;
- to study and explore ways of eliminating potential problems
which reduce the competitiveness and inhibit the economic development of the
company/plant, area, or industry;
- to enhance the involvement of workers in making decisions
that affect their working lives;
- to expand and improve working relationships between workers
and managers; and
- to encourage free collective bargaining by establishing
continuing mechanisms for communication between employers and their employees through
Federal assistance in the formation and operation of labor-management committees.
The primary objective of this program is to encourage and
support the establishment and operation of joint labor-management committees to carry out
specific objectives that meet the forementioned general criteria. The term
"labor" refers to employees represented by a labor organization and covered by a
formal collective bargaining agreement. These committees may be found at either the plant
(company), area, industry, or public sector levels. A plant or company committee is
generally characterized as restricted to one or more organizational or productive units
operated by a single employer. An area committee is generally composed of multiple
employers of diverse industries as well as multiple labor unions operating within and
focusing upon city, county, contiguous multicounty, or statewide jurisdictions. An
industry committee generally consists of a collection of agencies or enterprises and
related labor union(s) producing a common product or service in the private sector on a
local, state, regional, or nationwide level. A public sector committee consists either of
government employees and managers in one or more units of a local or state government,
managers and employees of public institutions of higher education, or of employees and
managers of public elementary and secondary schools. Those employees must be covered by a
formal collective bargaining agreement or other enforceable labor-management agreement. In
deciding whether an application is for an area or industry committee, consideration should
be given to the above definitions as well as to the focus of the committee.
In FY 1998, competition will be open to company/plant,
area, private industry, and public sector committees. Public Sector committees will be
divided into two sub-categories for scoring purposes. One sub-category will consist of
committees representing state/local units of government and public institutions of higher
education. The second sub-category will consist of public elementary and secondary
schools.
Special consideration will be given to committee
applications involving innovative or unique efforts. All application budget requests
should focus directly on supporting the committee. Applicants should avoid seeking funds
for activities that are clearly available under other Federal programs (e.g., job
training, mediation of contract disputes, etc.).
Required Program Elements
- Problem Statement - The application, which should
have numbered pages, must discuss in detail what specific problem(s) face the
company/plant, area, government, or industry and its workforce that will be addressed by
the committee. Applicants must document the problem(s) using as much relevant data as
possible and discuss the full range of impacts these problem(s) could have or are having
on the company/plant, government, area, or industry. An industrial or economic profile of
the area and workforce might prove useful in explaining the problem(s). This section
basically discusses WHY the effort is needed.
- Results or Benefits Expected - By using specific
goals and objectives, the application must discuss in detail WHAT the
labor-management committee as a demonstration effort will accomplish during the life of
the grant. Applications that promise to provide objectives after a grant is awarded
will receive little or no credit in this area. While a goal of "improving
communication between employers and employees" may suffice as one over-all goal of a
project, the objectives must, whenever possible, be expressed in specific and measurable
terms. Applicants should focus on the outcome, impacts or changes that the committee's
efforts will have. Existing committees should focus on expansion efforts/results
expected from FMCS funding. The goals, objectives, and projected impacts will become the
foundation for future monitoring and evaluation efforts of the grantee, as well as the
FMCS grants program.
- Approach - This section of the application specifies
HOW the goals and objectives will be accomplished. At a minimum, the following
elements must be included in all grant applications:
- a discussion of the strategy the committee will employ to
accomplish its goals and objectives;
- a listing, by name and title, of all existing or proposed
members of the labor-management committee. The application should also offer a rationale
for the selection of the committee members (e.g., members represent 70% of the area or
company/plant workforce).
- a discussion of the number, type, and role of all committee
staff persons. Include proposed position descriptions for all staff that will have to be
hired as well as resumes for staff already on board;
- in addressing the proposed approach, applicants must also
present their justification as to why Federal funds are needed to implement the proposed
approach;
- a statement of how often the committee will meet (we
require meetings at least every other month) as well as any plans to form subordinate
committees for particular purposes; and
- for applications from existing committees (i.e., in
existence at least 12 months prior to the submission deadline), a discussion of past
efforts and accomplishments and how they would integrate with the proposed expanded
effort.
- Major Milestones - This section must include an
implementation plan that indicates what major steps, operating activities, and objectives
will be accomplished as well as a timetable for WHEN they will be finished. A
milestone chart must be included that indicates what specific accomplish-ments (process
and impact) will be completed by month over the life of the grant using September 15,
1998, as the start date. The accomplishment of these tasks and objectives, as well as
problems and delays therein, will serve as the basis for quarterly progress reports to
FMCS.
- Evaluation - Applicants must provide for either an
external evaluation or an internal assessment of the project's success in meeting its
goals and objectives. An evaluation plan must be developed which briefly discusses what
basic questions or issues the assessment will examine and what baseline data the committee
staff already has or will gather for the assessment. This section should be written with
the application's own goals and objectives clearly in mind and the impacts or changes that
the effort is expected to cause.
- Letters of Commitment - Applications must include
current letters of commitment from all proposed or existing committee participants
and chairpersons. These letters should indicate that the participants support the
application and will attend scheduled committee meetings. A blanket letter signed by a
committee chairperson or other official on behalf of all members is not acceptable. We
encourage the use of individual letters submitted on company or union letterhead
represented by the individual. The letters should match the names provided under Section
3(b).
- Other Requirements - Applicants are also responsible
for the following:
- the submission of data indicating approximately how many
employees will be covered or represented through the labor-management committee;
- from existing committees, a copy of the existing staffing
levels, a copy of the by-laws, a breakout of annual operating costs and identification of
all sources and levels of current financial support;
- a detailed budget narrative based on policies and
procedures contained in the FMCS Financial and Administrative Grants Manual;
- an assurance that the labor-management committee will not
interfere with any collective bargaining agreements; and
- an assurance that committee meetings will be held at least
every other month and that written minutes of all committee meetings will be prepared and
made available to FMCS.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be used in the scoring and
selection of applications for award:
- The extent to which the application has clearly identified
the problems and justified the needs that the proposed project will address.
- The degree to which appropriate and measurable goals
and objectives have been developed to address the problems/needs of the applicant.
- The feasibility of the approach proposed to attain the
goals and objectives of the project and the perceived likelihood of accomplishing the
intended project results. This section will also address the degree of innovativeness or
uniqueness of the proposed effort.
- The appropriateness of committee membership and the degree
of commitment of these individuals to the goals of the application as indicated in the
letters of support.
- The feasibility and thoroughness of the implementation plan
in specifying major milestones and target dates.
- The cost effectiveness and fiscal soundness of the
application's budget request, as well as the application's feasibility vis-a-vis its goals
and approach.
- The overall feasibility of the proposed project in light of
all of the information presented for consideration; and
- The value to the government of the application in light of
the overall objectives of the Labor-Management Cooperation Act of 1978. This includes such
factors as innovativeness, site location, cost, and other qualities that impact upon an
applicant's value in encouraging the labor-management committee concept.
- Eligibility
Eligible grantees include state and local units of government, labor-management committees
(or a labor union, management association, or company on behalf of a committee that will
be created through the grant), and certain third-party private non-profit entities on
behalf of one or more committees to be created through the grant. Federal government
agencies and their employees are not eligible.
Third-party private, non-profit entities which can document that a major purpose or
function of their organization has been the improvement of labor relations are eligible to
apply. However, all funding must be directed to the functioning of the labor-management
committee, and all requirements under Part B must be followed. Applications from
third-party entities must document particularly strong support and participation from all
labor and management parties with whom the applicant will be working. Applications from
third-parties which do not directly support the operation of a new or expanded committee
will not be deemed eligible, nor will applications signed by entities such as law firms or
other third-parties failing to meet the above criteria.
Applicants who received funding under this program in the past for committee operations
are generally not eligible to apply. The only exceptions apply to third-party grantees who
seek funds on behalf of an entirely different committee.
- Allocations
The total FY 1998 appropriation for this program is $1.5 million, of which at least
$750,000 will be available competitively for new applicants. Specific funding levels will
not be established for each type of committee. Instead, the review process will be
conducted in such a manner that at least two awards will be made in each category
(company/plant, industry, public sector, and area), providing that FMCS determines that at
least two outstanding applications exist in each category. After these applications are
selected for award, the remaining applications will be considered according to merit
without regard to category. A maximum of $400,000 of the $1.5 million appropriation has
been reserved for the limited continuation of FY96-funded grantees.
In addition to the competitive process identified in the preceding paragraph, FMCS will
set aside a sum not to exceed thirty percent of its non-reserved appropriation to be
awarded on a non-competitive basis. These funds will be used only to support
industry-specific national-scope initiatives and/or regional industry models with high
potential for widespread replication that have been solicited by the Director of the
Service.
FMCS reserves the right to retain up to an additional five percent of the FY98
appropriation to contract for program support purposes (such as evaluation) other than
administration.
- Dollar Range and Length of Grants and Continuation
Policy
Awards to continue and expand existing labor-management committees (i.e., in existence 12
months prior to the submission deadline) will be for a period of 12 months. If successful
progress is made during this initial budget period and if sufficient appropriations for
expansion and continuation projects are available, these grants may be extended or
continued for a limited time at a 40 percent cash match ratio. Initial awards to establish
new labor-management committees (i.e., not yet established or in existence less than 12
months prior to the submission deadline), will be for a period of 18 months. If successful
progress is made during this initial budget period and if sufficient appropriations for
expansion and continuation projects are available, these grants may be extended or
continued for a limited time at a 40 percent cash match ratio.
The dollar range of awards is as follows:
- Up to $35,000 in FMCS funds per annum for existing company/plant or single department
public sector applicants:
- Up to $50,000 over 18 months for new company/plant committee or single department public
sector applicants;
- Up to $75,000 in FMCS funds per annum for existing area, industry and multi-departmental
public sector committee applicants;
- Up to $100,000 per 18-month period for new area, industry, and multi-department public
sector committee applicants.
Applicants are reminded that these figures represent maximum Federal funds only. If total
costs to accomplish the objectives of the application exceed the maximum allowable Federal
funding level and its required grantee match, applicants may supplement these funds
through voluntary contributions from other sources. Applicants are also strongly
encouraged to consult with their local or regional FMCS field office to determine what
kinds of training may be available at no cost before budgeting for such training in their
applications. A list of our field leadership team and their phone numbers is included in
the application kit.
- Cash Match Requirements and Cost Allowability
Applicants for new labor-management committees must provide at least 10 percent of the
total allowable project costs. Applicants for existing committees must provide at least 25
percent of the total allowable project costs. All matching funds may come from state or
local government sources or private sector contributions, but may generally not include
other Federal funds. Funds generated by grant-supported efforts are considered
"project income," and may not be used for matching purposes.
It will be the policy of this program to reject all requests for indirect or overhead
costs as well as "in-kind" match contributions. In addition, grant funds must
not be used to supplant private or local/state government funds currently spent for these
purposes. Funding requests from existing committees should focus entirely on the costs
associated with the expansion efforts. Also, under no circumstances may business or labor
officials participating on a labor-management committee be compensated out of grant funds
for time spent at committee meetings or time spent in training sessions.
Applicants generally will not be allowed to claim all or a portion of existing
full-time staff as an expense or match contribution. For a more complete discussion of
cost allowability, applicants are encouraged to consult the FY98 FMCS Financial and
Administrative Grants Manual which will be included in the application kit.
- Application Submission and Review Process
Applications should be signed by both a labor and management representative and be postmarked
no later than May 2, 1998. No applications or supplementary materials can be accepted
after the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the
application is correctly postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or other carrier. An
original application containing numbered pages, plus three copies, should be
addressed to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Labor-Management Grants
Program, 2100 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20427. FMCS will not consider videotaped
submissions or video attachments to submissions.
After the deadline has passed, all eligible applications will be reviewed and scored
initially by one or more Customer Grant Review Boards. The Board(s) will recommend
selected applications for further funding consideration. The Director, Labor-Management
Grants Program, will finalize the scoring and selection process. The individual listed as
contact person in Item 6 on the application form will generally be the only person with
whom FMCS will communicate during the application review process.
All FY98 grant applicants will be notified of results and all grant awards will be made
before September 15, 1998. Applications submitted after the May 2 deadline date or that
fail to adhere to eligibility or other major requirements will be administratively
rejected by the Director, Labor-Management Grants Program.
- Contact
Individuals wishing to apply for funding under this program should contact the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service as soon as possible to obtain an application kit. These
kits and additional information or clarification can be obtained free of charge by
contacting the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Labor-Management Grants
Program, 2100 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20427; or by calling 202-606-8181.
__________________________________________
John Calhoun Wells
Director
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
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