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Washington, D.C.? What separates Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin from other political appointees who come into government service from the private sector is his recognition that what works in the business world does not always work for the government, said Robert M. Tobias, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents over 110,000 Treasury Department employees.

"Secretary Rubin adapted his private sector experiences and best business practices to the federal government, which made his tenure a success," said Tobias. "He understood from the beginning that the government is a different beast. Wall Street is the world of for?profit business. The federal government is in the business of for?people."

While many on Wall Street say Secretary Rubin's Wall Street experience and business know?how bolstered the economy, Tobias said his experience and know?how "improved labor?management relations in the Treasury Department. Secretary Rubin understands the meaning of civil service, which, I think, made him appreciate and respect federal workers in a way that eludes some political appointees."

On hearing the news that Undersecretary Lawrence Summers will be nominated as Secretary Rubin's replacement, Tobias said "I cannot think of a better choice, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of federal employees?and on behalf of American taxpayers."

Tobias worked closely with Undersecretary Summers during the past two years on IRS restructuring, which culminated in the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

NTEU's collective bargaining scope extends beyond the Treasury Department. In all, the union represents some 160,000 workers in 21 federal agencies and departments.