PURPOSE

This Agreement between the Defense Finance and Accounting
Service (DFAS) Centers and Headquarters, and the American
Federation of Government Employees Locals (AFGE), herein referred
to as the "Agency" and the "Union," respectively, was achieved
through cooperative, interest-based negotiations. Traditional
styles of position-based bargaining and posturing were discarded
in order to explore common interests and concerns. The Parties
began by acknowledging their mutual interest in and commitment to
the accomplishment of the mission of DFAS.

We recognize the dedicated, professional, and concerned
employees of the Agency are the means for providing effective and
ever improving service. We seek, through this Agreement and the
process of its achievement, to foster a continuing attitude of
partnership and cooperation in our workplace. We strive to
improve the working conditions of our employees, enhance the
harmony between family and work life, and create a productive and
progressive labor relations process.

We share a desire that the Agency serve as a model employer
for America. We intend that the process of trust and mutual
respect by which this Agreement was forged will set an example at
every work site. We will promote a simple and just means for
resolving disputes and misunderstandings, provide an effective
mechanism for articulating employee concerns through their Union,
and foster open and effective communication throughout the
Agency.

Through this Agreement, we intend to maintain a safe,
healthy, and quality workplace by creating an atmosphere where
people are treated fairly and equitably. With respect for one
another, we will work together to fulfill the promise and
accomplish the mission of the Defense Finance and Accounting
Service.