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Washington, D.C.—The administration is once again running the risk of serious disruptions in federal sector labor-management relations by allowing to remain vacant the position of general counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), the president of the nation’s largest independent union of federal workers said today.

President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) called on President Bush to quickly fill the key position vacated when the recess appointment of the most recent FLRA general counsel ended at the conclusion of the 108th Congress. This marks the second time this administration has allowed the position of general counsel to remain vacant.

The FLRA is a three-member body established in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. It has overall responsibility for federal sector labor relations. Within the FLRA, the general counsel is responsible for the issuance of unfair labor practice complaints, encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques and expanding labor, management training and education programs.

The absence of a general counsel will cause a breakdown in federal sector labor relations, President Kelley said, along with a backlog of cases awaiting resolution by the FLRA.

This could ultimately impact the ability of a federal agency to provide vital services to American taxpayers, she added.

“Federal sector labor relations do not occur in a vacuum,” the NTEU leader said. “What happens in the federal workplace impacts everyone in America. The job of FLRA general counsel is far too important to remain vacant for any length of time. I urge the president to act quickly to fill this position.”

As the largest independent federal union, NTEU represents some 150,000 employees in 30 agencies and departments.