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Washington, D.C.?President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) today joined the administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in signing a three?year labor agreement that includes the

first-ever federal sector program of child care subsidies.

The agreement for the unit of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) includes not just the ground?breaking child care program, it focuses both on providing career development and additional opportunities for lower?graded employees, and carries a provision designed to create a climate of respect in the workplace. Kelley was joined at the signing ceremony by SAMHSA Administrator Nelba Chavez.

The child care subsidy follows a congressionally?approved pilot program running through the end of this fiscal year. NTEU has been the leading advocate for such a program.

NTEU Chapter 286 represents some 400 employees at SAMHSA who are responsible for administering prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs dealing with substance abuse and mental illness. The vote in favor of contract ratification was unanimous.

"We're very pleased to have reached this initial three?year agreement with SAMHSA," said Kelley, noting with pride the provisions specifically developed and targeted to address the career aspirations of agency employees.

Under the career development provision, Kelley said, a joint labor?management workgroup will be created "with a specific commitment from the agency" to implement programs to provide employees with additional opportunities for training and advancement.

Kelley said another important provision in the SAMHSA contract is an article setting broad guidelines for workplace behavior, seeking to ensure that everyone enjoys the dignity and respect due them.

"This is a very important article," Kelley said. "It reflects the mutual commitment of the parties to building and maintaining the kind of environment where people feel appreciated and respected and where they truly are encouraged to be an integral part of a greater whole."

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing some 155,000 employees in 24 agencies and departments.