ARTICLE 21
DEPENDENT CARE

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

Recognizing that balancing home and workplace needs is
important to the well-being of employees and therefore the
productivity of the Agency, DFAS and its AFGE Locals support
programs designed to assist employees in meeting their dependent
care needs. Programs and practices which serve to assist
employees in meeting these concerns and needs have been
incorporated by the Agency and the Union into this Agreement in
other Articles. The intent of this Article is to encourage
development of innovative and cost-effective approaches to
providing additional assistance in meeting employee dependent
care needs. The Agency, to the extent permitted by Government
rules, regulations, and budgets, will support these programs.

SECTION 2 - TYPES OF PROGRAMS

A. Dependent care assistance may include, but is not limited
to, the following:

1. Child care and elder care referral services;

2. Information on seminars, workshops, and exhibitions;

3. Periodic newsletters and brochures;

4. Information on family resources centers (including
on-call, emergency, part-time care, and multi-purpose
facilities);

5. Referral to available consultant services to assist
employees with dependent care problems; and

6. DFAS cooperation with other agencies regarding
dependent care programs.

B. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of dependent
care programs. New employees should be informed about the
availability of referral services for dependent care programs
during orientation.

C. The Agency and the Union will keep each other advised of
any status changes regarding dependent care referral services.
The Union will be afforded the opportunity to participate in task
groups or committees involved in developing and formulating such
programs.