Section 1: This Master Agreement is made
between the Department of Veterans Affairs ("the Department")
and the American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans
Affairs Council of Locals ("the Union").
Section 2: The Department and the Union
agree that a constructive and cooperative working relationship
between labor and management is essential to achieving the Department's
mission and to ensuring a quality work environment for all employees.
The parties recognize that this relationship must be built on
a solid foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared responsibility
for organizational success.
Therefore, the parties agree to work together in partnership and
through this Master Agreement to identify problems and craft solutions,
enhance productivity, and deliver the best quality of service
to the nation's veterans.