The Federal Labor Relations Authority oversees the Federal service labormanagement relations program. It administers the law that protects the right of employees of the Federal Government to organize, bargain collectively, and participate through labor organizations of their own choosing in decisions affecting them. The Authority also ensures compliance with the statutory rights and obligations of Federal employees and the labor organizations that represent them in their dealings with Federal agencies. The Federal Labor Relations Authority was created as an independent establishment by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978 (5 U.S.C. app.), effective January 1, 1979, pursuant to Executive Order 12107 of December 28, 1978, to consolidate the central policymaking functions in Federal labor-management relations. Its duties and authority are specified in title VII (Federal Service Labor-Management Relations) of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 7101-7135). Activities The Authority provides leadership in establishing policies and guidance relating to the Federal service labormanagement relations program. In addition, it determines the appropriateness of bargaining units, supervises or conducts representation elections, and prescribes criteria and resolves issues relating to the granting of consultation rights to labor organizations with respect to internal agency policies and governmentwide rules and regulations. It also resolves negotiability disputes, unfair labor practice complaints, and exceptions to arbitration awards. The Chair of the Authority serves as the chief executive and administrative officer. The General Counsel of the Authority investigates alleged unfair labor practices, files and prosecutes unfair labor practice complaints before the Authority, and exercises such other powers as the Authority may prescribe. The Federal Service Impasses Panel, an entity within the Authority, is assigned the function of providing assistance in resolving negotiation impasses between agencies and unions. After investigating an impasse, the Panel can either recommend procedures to the parties for the resolution of the impasse or assist the parties in resolving the impasse through whatever methods and Regional Offices-Federal City/Address Atlanta, GA (Suite 701, 285 Peachtree Ctr. Ave., 30303-1270) Dallas, TX (Suite 926, 525 Griffin St., 75202) Denver, CO (Suite 100, 1244 Speer Blvd., 80204) Sources of Information Employment Employment inquiries and applications may be sent to the Director of Personnel. Phone, 202-482-6660. Public Information and Publications The Authority will assist in arranging reproduction of documents and ordering transcripts of hearings. Requests for publications should be submitted to the Director, Information Resources and Research Services. Phone, 202-4826550. Reading Room Anyone desiring to inspect formal case documents or read procedures, including factfinding and recommendations, it considers appropriate. If the parties do not arrive at a settlement after assistance by the Panel, the Panel may hold hearings and take whatever action is necessary to resolve the impasse. The Foreign Service Labor Relations Board and the Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel administer provisions of chapter 2 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3921), concerning labor-management relations. This chapter establishes a statutory labormanagement relations program for Foreign Service employees of the U.S. Government. Administrative and staff support is provided by the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Federal Service Impasses Panel. For further information, contact the Director of Information Resources and Research Services, Federal Labor Relations Authority, 607 Fourteenth Street NW., Washington, DC 20424-0001. Phone, 202-4826550. FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20573-0001 Phone, 202-523-5707 The Federal Maritime Commission regulates the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States, ensures that U.S. international trade is open to all nations on fair and equitable terms, and protects against unauthorized, concerted activity in the waterborne commerce of the United States. This is accomplished through maintaining surveillance over steamship conferences and common carriers by water; ensuring that only the rates on file with the Commission are charged; reviewing agreements between persons subject to the Shipping Act of 1984; guaranteeing equal treatment to shippers, carriers, and other persons subject to the shipping statutes; and ensuring that adequate levels of financial responsibility are maintained for indemnification of passengers. The Federal Maritime Commission was Activities Agreements The Commission reviews Tariffs The Commission accepts or |