Air Force photo by Margo Wright

Efforts by union and Tinker leadership for continuing successful relationships has earned recognition by Air Force Materiel Command. The AFMC Local Partnership Best Practice Award, presented at AFMC recently, is the subject of conversation for, from left; Todd Lambert, International Association of Firefighters, F-211 president; James Schmidt, AFGE Local 916 president; and John Over, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center executive director. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

Tinker earns award for partnership with union

Published Oct. 3, 2007
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Tinker Air Force Base recently won an annual Air Force Materiel Command award.
   Tinker officials were awarded the 2007 AFMC Local Partnership Council Practice Award Sept. 12. The award recognizes the positive relationship between the installation and American Federation of Government Employees Local 916.
   "The 2007 AFMC Local Partnership Council Best Practice Award is fitting recognition for the significant accomplishments by AFGE Local 916, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local F-211 and the (Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center) leadership," said John J. Over, OC-ALC executive director. "The improved collaborative relationship resulted in improvements to the workplace and ultimately better supports the warfighter."
   According to the award nomination criteria, a partnership council could be nominated for a one-time event on a compilation of achievements between June 1, 2005, and May 31, 2006.
   On the nomination form, Tinker officials highlighted several accomplishments in categories "Productivity Efficiency and/or Quality Improvements," "Cost Saving and Cost Avoidance," and "Quality of Workplace," among others.
   Among the top of the list of achievements, Tinker officials noted the installation's involvement in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program, a program mandated by former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
   Other achievements included reducing the number of third-party proceedings through the Alternate Dispute Resolution and achieving a cost avoidance savings of more than $918,000.
   "I greatly appreciate the continued support and commitment of our current (Mr.) Over and OC-ALC Commander Maj. Gen. Loren Reno," said James Schmidt, AFGE Local 916 president. "Partnership is the Key to the future of Team Tinker."