The Federal Sector Labor Relations Climate Under Executive Order 12871

Marick F. Masters and Robert R. Albright

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DOI: 10.2190/BP98-CBHX-D8PV-L066

Abstract

Despite the crushing defeat of the 1981 PATCO strike, federal sector labor relations become more rather than less adversarial. With E.O. 12871, Labor-Management Partnerships, President Clinton attempted to reverse this situation. This study reports the results of a 1997 survey of union and management representatives conducted on behalf of the National Partnership Council. The data show both union and management representatives believe the labor relations climate has improved since E.O. 12871 was issued in 1993. However, union representatives tend to be more negative in their assessment of the situation, though they are more inclined to perceive improvement in employee productivity and product/service quality over this time period. Federal bargaining units with partnerships express a greater degree of improvement in labor relations and a more positive labor relations climate.

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