Dedication
This Master Agreement is dedicated to Andy Pizzi. Mediation was both his vocation and passion. Andy’s experience in conflict resolution came from growing up in an opinionated, strong-willed, and sometimes dysfunctional Italian family. Andy began working with the Forest Service Partnership Council in 2002, and he worked with NFFE and the Forest Service in a variety of labor-management settings. While Andy had deep knowledge of labor law, developed while working at the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), he understood and reminded us that negotiation is less about the technicalities and more about communication. Since the Master Agreement negotiations of 2010, he encouraged, cajoled, and shepherded us to agreement on four separate contracts.
During the year that it took to complete the most recent negotiations, we enjoyed his integrity, passion, and fun-loving nature. He deeply believed in our ability to create win-win agreements when we take the time to get down to core interests with mutual respect and trust. Andy had several memorable expressions, such as when we’d get close to an agreement on a subject and he would say, "you are in violent agreement here, now just get the words right."
We dedicate this Master Agreement to Andy as an expression of gratitude and hopefulness. Gratitude for having been inspired by Andy and hopeful that we can carry forward with his spirit in finding common ground.
Civil Rights Notice
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The NFFE FD1 Forest Service Council and its Local Lodges do not discriminate in membership and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, including self-identified genders, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political beliefs, marital or family status, or any other non-merit factor.
