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A Message on the Reorganization
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As reorganization moves ahead, we will never lose sight of the importance all of you have in this effort. Although any change of this magnitude causes personal uncertainties and anxieties, I hope to allay some of them now, and I will continue to share information with you as we move forward. Although we expect that over time integration will yield efficiencies and savings as well as improve effectiveness, there are no plans for a reduction in force. We will consider "best practices" from all agencies for wider adoption and operate in a spirit of partnership. I am pleased to report that under the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, all personnel will be transferred to the Department at the same grade or class and the same rate of basic pay or salary and with the same tenure as held prior to integration. Some flexibility is needed to align people and positions most effectively. The act gives us authority to do this sensibly. For up to six months after the transfer, the Secretary is authorized to assign transferring personnel to positions or sets of duties in the Department, except that by virtue of such assignment neither grade or class nor rate of basic pay or salary will be reduced, nor will tenure be changed. The Department will offer more opportunities for retraining and upgrading skills. The Foreign Service Institute will work with USIA colleagues to integrate public diplomacy into the FSI curriculum. FSI will soon run a pilot course on public diplomacy intended for a wide audience in the Department and other U.S. government agencies. FSI also will offer a course for newcomers on how the Department functions. We are becoming one team and one family. Reorganization is a cooperative endeavor and a big task. If we approach it with a spirit of openness, equality and mutual respect, we can make it the success the American people expect. As we go forward, we will emphasize consensus building and communication along with efficient decision making and flexible structures. Assistant Secretary for Administration Pat Kennedy is heading the interagency team responsible for this important undertaking. Pat and his team, composed of senior representatives of each agency, will be sending biweekly telegrams to keep you up to date. As implementation proceeds, we will place information on the Department's web site, including the presidential plan and report and answers to frequently asked questions. You may use e-mail, DG DIRECT, as a hotline to ask your own personal questions.
Your ideas and questions will be most welcome as reorganization enters its implementing stages.
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want to reinforce the warm words Secretary Albright has extended to everyone who will be welcomed from other foreign affairs agencies into the Department of State and to the Department personnel they will be joining. Integrating the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the U.S. Information Agency and linking the U.S. Agency for International Development more tightly to the Department offers a historic opportunity to strengthen the country's foreign policy. We must not forget, however, that it is the outstanding work of all our dedicated employees that will enable America to take fullest advantage of this opportunity.
