Within ninety (90) days of the signing of this agreement the Parties agree to be trained in Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) techniques. The IBB techniques learned will be used to consummate a partnership agreement and form a partnership at the consolidated unit and each organizational segment of the bargaining unit (MES, MAPB, PRB, NDCC, LB).

Two (2) representatives from Management and two representatives from the Union from each unit (MES, MAPB, PRB, NDCC, LB) will attend the training.

In the interest of partnership, the Agency and Union agree to collaborate on issues that arise during the course of the contract. The Agency will give full consideration to Union proposals. Agreement shall be reached by consensus through a process of discussion and interest-based negotiations or interest-based bargaining. The Union or the Agency may present for discussion issues such as the numbers of employees, types and grades of employees, positions assigned to any AFGE local 2419 organizational subdivision, work projects, tours of duty, technology used or methods and means of performing work within the Agency.