5: 2, Community Relations, 1970: 47323287

Read from the scan by GLM-OCR; expect the odd misread word.

The base commander and the union representatives confer quarterly to discuss mutual problems and to resolve them. In addition, the civilian personnel officer meets with the union representatives monthly to review daily problems which have arisen since the previous month's meeting. Too, through an open door policy, union representatives report infractions as these occur and before they become problematic.

"The result of union representation has been to improve working conditions," maintains Rose M. Della Valle, of the Chief Employer Management Development Branch of the Central Civilian Personnel Office. "I find we are inclined to accept matters as they stand until someone brings problems not previously recognized to the fore."

Adds Lloyd Olschewski, Divisional President for Local 200 of The Service Employee International Union, "We've developed a pleasant relationship with management representatives and have been able to discuss difficult matters freely and informally. The greatest benefit of all, however, is the fact we can talk to management. This has been made possible by the recent Presidential Orders which give federal employees the right to organize."

Obviously, the 21ST NORAD REGION contributes not only to the air defense of the northeast but also to its economic betterment. Some five-hundred plus employees alone are employed at SAGE, at high paying, highly skilled positions. In addition, the 21ST spends millions of dollars annually purchasing many of its product needs from local retail firms.