Labor-Management Partnership at Hoover Dam

Labor-Management Partnership at Hoover Dam

In 1991, Hoover Dam Project Management (Management) and AFGE Local 1978
(the Union) instituted a process that is creating a labor-management
partnership to achieve the goals of the Project.  Union and management
relations were characterized as mutually distrustful, adversarial, and
formalized.  Problems were always addressed formally by filing Unfair
Labor Practice (ULP) complaints or grievances.  Most issues including
wage settlements were resolved through arbitration.  Wages were not
settled on time but were often agreed to years later due to the
arbitration process.  Both management and the Union recognized that this
approach was counterproductive and did not accomplish the Project's
goals.  With the assistance of the FMCS, the parties began the Partners
in Change program.  This has evolved into a true labor-management
partnership.  The AFGE Local 1978 president is a member of the Project
Manager's team.  The Union has two members on the Quality Management
Team.  Numerous working teams have been established at all levels of the
organization that are empowered to improve processes, resolve problems,
and institute changes.  Today, there are no ULP's or grievances at
Hoover Dam.  Wages were settled in one bargaining session using a team
approach.

From:   Dan Jensen
Organization:  Department of the Interior
Location:  Hoover Dam, NV
Telephone:   (702)293-8813