The Foreign Service Journal, March 2004

V.P. VOICE: USAID BY BILL CARTER A “Split” Decision on Accomplishments S erious runners knowwhat their “splits” are supposed to be for each lap around the track. As AFSA VP, I have just completedmy first quartermile,whichmakes it anappropriate time for somehonest stock-takingandexam- ination of the split time—or in USAID lingo: a self-assess- ment. USAID AFSA began last July to define its “invest in the employee” agenda, and attempted to broadcast it wide- ly tomanagement andmembers. Thus far, progress on spe- cific elements of the agenda has been disappointing and limited. We have experi- enced the most success in helping individual members resolve an array of problems mostly unique to them. However, on the broader issues that affect larger segments of themembership, our accomplishments have yet tomaterialize. Let’s review some of the areas where we've been frustrated and will seek to improve our split over the next quarter and beyond: GRIEVANCES: AFSA had hoped that mediation and dispute resolution could be used as effective techniques in labor relations and as a means of avoiding wasteful, time- andmoney-consuming cases. And why not, since USAID encourages the use of these very same techniques by recipient countries? However, USAID seems to be reluctant to self-medicate. Management has shown no willingness to resolve cases before they fester and erode morale. One case is particularly unfortunate, because it involves a blatant injustice. Even though the Foreign Service Grievance Board has ruled twice in favor of the employee, management remains recalcitrant. BENEFITS: AFSA has developed and circulated a matrix highlighting the dispari- ty in benefits betweenUSAID and other foreign affairs agencies. Management gives lip service to implementingmanyof the benefits, but even the simplest and least expen- sive have not been acted upon. There always seem to be sufficient funds to cover up plaques, hold expensive conferences and implement reblocking, but not for student loan repayment programs, spousal language training andother programs that employ- ees of other agencies enjoy. TRANSPARENCY INSENIORMANAGEMENT GROUP ASSIGNMENTS: There have been instances where current Servicemembers have been passed over for senior positions in favor of candidates outside the Service. Expressions of interest fromqualified offi- cerswere ignored in amystery-shroudeddecision-making process. The cynicismand decay in morale caused by this seem to be cavalierly ignored. These decisions also have an impact on the promotions and career development of officers in the lower ranks, because they can thwart opportunities. TENURE: This year final tenure decisions dragged out far longer than was neces- sary, causingmany candidates anxiety for severalmonths,while their careers and futures remained in limbo. Repeated AFSA requests for speedier issuance of tenure deci- sions to avoid the personal turmoil went unheeded. USAA: USAA informed AFSA in a letter that USAID (and FAS and FCS) FSOs were no longer eligible to join USAA because its mission statement did not explicit- ly state that it was involved in national security. This seemed like an easy matter to fix: We sent USAA the new joint State-USAID Strategic Plan, in which our mutual efforts on national security are explicitly stated in a comprehensive document. Yet we remain without a resolution. The first lap is over and admittedly progress is not what had been hoped, but the race is not over yet. We expect better splits for the next three laps. ▫ 12 AFSA NEWS • MARCH 2004 9/11 Commission and Consular Questions In late January, the 9/11 Commission held public hearings in Washington on border and transportation security. Some sessions focused on visa issuance and included testimony from former Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mary Ryan and the current Assistant Secretary, Maura Harty. Amb. Ryan reviewed the pre-9/11 situation, noting that fewer con- sular employees were asked to do more. One commissioner agreed that this was the equivalent of “doing more with noth- ing.” Amb. Harty specified the numerous changes implemented to visa processing systems after 9/11. She characterized the department’s visa work overseas as the “forward-based defense of the United States.” Seeking Closet Comedians Given the overwhelming heaviness of the current international situation, we are seeking to lighten the mood with some Foreign Service humor (it’s not an oxymoron!) on these pages with a new occasional feature, “From the Lighter Side.” Brian Aggeler —whose monthly cartoon is a popular feature in both State magazine and AFSA News — is sure- ly not the only one out there with a knack for seeing humor in the unique way of work and life in the Foreign Service. We encourage any Foreign Service member with a reasonable ability to draw or write to share a cartoon, joke or other humorous commentary with us. All submissions will be seri- ously considered. Send your non- returnable humor to us by mail: AFSA News, AFSA, 2101 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20037; by fax: (202) 338-8244; or by e-mail: afsanews@afsa.org. ▫ AFSA NEWS BRIEFS Continued from page 11