The Foreign Service Journal, June 2003

as a basis for our union structure and also presented at an open meeting. Sentiment was even more negative toward this pro- posal, and the meeting turned raucous as many present declared that management was still in control of the system. AFSA then convened, under the leadership of Tex Harris, a “Committee of Forty” to discuss a separate executive order set- ting forth a Foreign Service union structure. Over a period of several months discussions were held with AFSA and AFGE on the details of what eventually was issued as E.O. 11636. Throughout the process, AFSA and management were strategic allies as well as tactical rivals. While we disagreed on the mechanics, we both wanted a labor- management system designed to recognize the unique conditions of employment in the Foreign Service, with “unique” being the key word here. AFGE wanted a carbon copy of E.O. 11491 with- out special provisions for the Foreign Service. AFSA, on the other hand, was prepared to accept a separate system if the terms and conditions were right. In the end, AFSA achieved the best of both worlds. E.O. 11636 established a sys- tem that recognized a unique and independent Foreign Service. We also obtained management agreement to a worldwide bargaining unit excluding only top management, and a system of independent, third-party adjudication of disagreements (the Employee Management Relations Commission, to F O C U S 30 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 3 Throughout the process, AFSA and management were strategic allies as well as tactical rivals. * per night, single or double occupancy subject to availability Y our search is over, choose a hotel where the federal per diem rate is available year-round. * Luxurious Suites All rooms with full size kitchen & stove tops Fitness center Complimentary in-room coffee Full service restaurant Parking available Across fromMain State White House, The Mall, and Metro Foggy Bottom station (blue & orange lines) within walking distance Accommodations State Plaza Hotel 2117 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: (800) 424-2859 (202) 861-8200 Parking Available Rated ★★★ 1 / 2 by AAA www.stateplaza.com E-mail: reservations@stateplaza.com