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FMCS: Labor Management Relations Worldwide
Global Changes Require Labor-Management Focus The need for sound industrial and labor-management practices is not limited to the United States. In a world experiencing rapid changes in economic growth, regional and global competition in trade and developments in technology, countries in all parts of the globe are increasingly aware that relationships between labor and management are a critical component in their ability to accommodate change. Acknowledgment of the vital role of labor-management relations in creating sustainable economic development throughout the world is reflected in the World Bank's World Development Report and its focus on "Workers In An Integrating World." The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) includes "Trade and Labor-Management Relations" as one of five components in its Hemispheric Free Trade Expansion Project. FMCS International Program As other nations have sought understanding and insight into mature labor-management relationship systems and structures, and technical assistance in their establishment, many have turned to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), long recognized as the premiere organization in labor-management mediation and a leader in conflict resolution training. Federal mediators are, by definition, experienced labor negotiators and problem solvers. Over fifty years, they have a earned a unique reputation as third party neutrals with the ability to help disputing parties find common ground and reach agreements that both sides can accept. They are also skilled in helping workers and unions move adversarial workplace relationships toward more cooperative labor-management partnerships. These same capabilities in adapting innovative processes to diverse and often dynamic situations form the basis for the Service's success in working in other countries and cultures. Training in the United States and Abroad As a result, FMCS has become a leading international exporter of conflict resolution and mediation systems. While the primary mission of the Service remains promotion of improved labor-management relations in the United States, FMCS provides technical assistance to many other nations. Traveling abroad or at FMCS Headquarters in Washington, D.C., federal mediators have briefed or trained business, labor and government delegations from such countries as Russia, the Philippines, Poland, Ireland, the European Union, Taiwan, Korea, South Africa, Panama, Mexico, El Salvador and Ecuador. The demand for FMCS International services has grown dramatically in recent years with the profound geopolitical changes taking place, particularly in Eastern Europe and Latin America. In fact, in one year alone, FMCS hosted briefings and training for approximately 400 labor-management and government leaders from 85 countries. During that same year, seventeen federal mediators traveled overseas to provide training and technical assistance. And FMCS, itself, has become the pattern for a number of newly established mediation agencies in the world. FMCS International Technical Assistance and Training The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides international programs focusing on these areas:
FMCS also provides a variety of briefings, training and other programs in the United States, including specialized foreign leader briefings on industrial relations processes, responses to change in the industrial relations environment, special programs for foreign labor attaches, and meetings with American industrial relations practitioners. 50 Years of Conflict Resolution Established as an independent agency of the United States government by the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is responsible for preserving and promoting labor- management peace throughout the United States. Through a highly-skilled staff of mediators, the Service offers conflict resolution services and programs to labor and management to prevent and minimize conflicts in the collective bargaining process, and improve relationships between the parties. First among these services is mediation, a voluntary process in which mediators serve as third party neutrals to facilitate the resolution of problems and disagreements, usually in the negotiation of a collective bargaining contract. In this role, the effectiveness of the Service is dependent upon the credibility and acceptability of its mediators. Continuing to gain in acceptance are FMCS preventive mediation services, training in collaborative processes which give the parties the knowledge and skills to stabilize the collective bargaining relationship and achieve labor management peace. Under subsequent legislation, the Service was authorized to offer its mediation expertise, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution services, to local, state and federal governments as a means of resolving administrative disputes and regulatory controversies. When disputes arise over the interpretation or implementation of a contract, FMCS offers the parties the names of qualified, private arbitrators from which to select. The Arbitrator, acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, hears arguments, weighs evidence and renders a decision, usually binding on both parties. Additional Information Inquiries about the FMCS International Program or any FMCS service may be directed to the Labor Attaché at the United States Embassy, or write directly to: Director of International Affairs 2100 K Street, NW OR FMCS ORGANIZATION FMCS mediators work out of more than 75 field offices around the United States, administered through five geographic regions. For more information, contact the FMCS Office nearest you. National Office:Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service Northeastern RegionOne Newark
Center, 16th Floor William J.
Green Federal Building Southern Region401 West
Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 472 3452 Lake
Lynda Drive, Suite 122 12140
Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 215 Midwestern Region6161 Oak
Tree Boulevard, Suite 120 Upper Midwestern RegionBroadway
Place West Elm Plaza,
Suite 203 Western Region1100 Town
and Country Rd, Suite 410 Westin
Building, Suite 310 Federal Mediation and Conciliation ServiceMission
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