The work of Phillip Kete's law firm falls into two broad categories: Representation of Individual Employees and Collective Bargaining. This page describes the help the firm can provide to locals in the Bargaining and Partnership fields.
Phillip R. Kete's Background
Phil Kete thinks the way contracts are negotiated in the federal sector is a scandal. The results are disproportionally small compared to the length of time actually at the bargaining table and compared to the length of time between the beginning of negotiations and completion.
In fact, some contracts are worse than useless. Their most important function is to give agency management a free hand to act unilaterally throughout the term of the agreement, on the theory that if a subject is alluded to in the contract, the union has waived its right to bargain on any aspect of the subject in the future.
Perhaps worst of all, bargaining is typically done in a way that preserves the free-rider environment.
Another scandal was the use of the Clinton partnership executive order to undermine rather than strengthen unions and the employees they represent. There is a risk the Obama order will have the same effect.
What does the firm do?
The firm provides analysis, consultation, advice, and training.
The firm doesn't represent you at the bargaining table or in partnership meetings. The reason is that once you understand the system, effective negotiations and partnership activities are easy. You don't have to worry about negotiability or the FLRA, and your dealings with the FSIP are based on actual knowledge and common sense.
The firm can train you on how to bargain effectively regardless of how reasonable or unreasonable agency management is.
Similarly regarding partnership - success does not depend on management's attitude. If management is competent and sincere, changes benefitting customers and employees can be made fairly quickly, to the joint credit of management and the union. If management is not competent and sincere, the benefits to customers and employees will take a little longer to achieve, and only the union will get the credit for the changes. Either way, the union can make sure that partnership is a success.
What does the firm charge for work in this area?
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