Please use the physical address or email address below to contact the Friends of FMCS History.
Tax-deductible donations can be made by check payable to Friends of FMCS History Foundation (Tax ID 20-5851357) or online by clicking the link below. Select the drop-down menu to select your donation amount, then hit the donate button. You may pay through PAYPAL, or your Credit Card after hitting the donate button.
Richard Giacolone – Friends of FMCS History Foundation Director
Visit the Friends Collection at the GW Special Collections Research Center by clicking this link https://searcharchives.library.gwu.edu/repositories/2/resources/113 – Guide to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service History Archive, 1913-2010.
COPY of December 29, 2023 email.
Friends of FMCS History Foundation Meeting
Not everyone knows that Roman Stoic Philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca is first credited with the adage: “Quality Over Quantity” in the first century AD, but that aptly describes the first reunion of retired and current mediators December 15th and 16th in Scottsdale, Arizona in many years.
Although small in number, the attendees brought their long experience, strong friendships, and mutual support for FMCS to bear as they renewed bonds and shared their vision for the future of the Agency.
In fact, a third of those who participated are still working full-time for the Agency. Participants traveled from both coasts and around the country to engage each other and build upon the trust forged through a love of mediation work, strong ties to FMCS, and shared experiences regarding our unique work in dispute resolution and conflict management.
Each recounted their individual narratives and what initially brought them the Agency. And, while every story had unique elements, shared features were easily identifiable throughout: a desire to assist parties in resolving their differences, utilizing skills they were born with and honed in myriad ways, and creating relationships that would draw from the parties’ contributions that would enable them to reach both personal and professional goals.
Javier Ramirez and Greg Goldstein both attended and expressed strong interest in exploring ways in which the “Friends of FMCS” group could support the Agency’s mission. Options included, but were not limited to, contributing position papers that might explore aspects pertinent to the Agency, helping to build and maintain the esprit de corps of mediators and support personnel emanating from our history, providing candid feedback as the Agency continues to evolve and adjust, all ranging from the impacts of the current Agency structure to mentoring opportunities.
The “Friends” party also had requests that would enable them to serve in a variety of capacities including an updated list of retirees, greater shared communications in anticipation of changes that would be helpful to the Agency, and appropriate occasions where “Friends” representation might be welcome, possibly at conferences, trainings or other forums.
Ultimately, the participants saw this foundation meeting to be a success. And, while a larger attendance would undoubtedly have brought additional good ideas and diversity of opinions and perspectives, the very intimacy of the small group dynamic permitted participants to be deeply engaged with the ability to fully express themselves with fewer time constraints and greater openness as well as the chance to be more candid in expressing their ideas and reactions to others’ contributions.
The Board of Friends of FMCS History Foundation will continue to explore new ways to collaborate with the Agency and build upon this strong start as it plans its next steps to support both FMCS now and in the future and keep providing a place for retirees to remain viable and engaged in the process.
I have attached the FMCS meeting report to show the interest the Agency has in continued collaboration. I also attached a PowerPoint which was used at the event (it also offers a memorial page for deceased former FMCS employees).
We once again are accepting donations to the Friends of FMCS History Foundation. You can send donations to Friends of FMCS History Foundation, PO Box 9517, Chesapeake VA 23321. The donations will be used to pay non-profit fees, website maintenance, and hopefully the next Friends gathering. You can also contribute through the Friends website at www.mediationhistory.org
Dear Friends,
Greetings, I hope this email reaches you in good health. I also hope 2022 is a year we move in a more positive direction with less news about COVID and more about the good in our world, nation, and, maybe even in our government. Friends of FMCS History Foundation exists to honor a small segment of our government focused on dispute management and resolution. It was developed to highlight the past and celebrate the future of FMCS and its predecessor DOL’s United States Conciliation Service (USCS).
Stepping in to follow Jerry Barrett this year has been both a challenge and an honor. Jerry established the concept of “Friends” well before it became a legally identified tax exempt, nonprofit charitable foundation in 2006. His history is well known and his passing was a great loss for “Friends”. His passion for “Friends” has roots back to his appointment in 1964.
Jerry Barrett is the 6th from the left in the Class of 1964 picture with then Director Simkin seated third from the right. My class of 1995-1996 class mentor Ken Evans is also in this picture (standing second from right). This picture is one of many that I have collected through the National Archives and other sources which I hope will be part of a permanent display at FMCS HQ, and on the “Friends” website, of all class pictures of mediators in FMCS history. While I will not emulate Jerry in “climbing into dumpsters” to find FMCS history, I am prepared to help keep his passion and vision for Friends alive.
Step one on that journey is complete, the State Corporation Comission, the IRS, the Bank, the Website, fees and taxes have all been addressed and completed. “Friends” had a total of $3,073.73 in the bank when I agreed to take over this year and I am happy to report that the current total is $3,244.79. This year expenses included new checks ($16.95), State Corporation Commission Fees, Website Fees paid to Systems Management Technology Inc. ($596.79), and PayPal fees ($1.20). Income this year was $786.00 all from donations from 6 individuals including yours truly. See the website for other contributors names CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE.
To reinvigorate “Friends” I will be reaching out to former colleagues to assist me in this volunteer endeavor. Former Deputy Director Gary Hattal, former District Director Cheng and others have agreed to assist me in bringing the website up to current day standards and to connect with our retired FMCS staff. In order to cover costs, we have made it easy to donate to The Friends of FMCS History Foundation through PayPal on the website or to send a check to Friends of FMCS History Foundation, PO Box 9517, Chesapeake, VA 23321. All donations will be used to pay fees associated with the Foundation and expenses related to the upkeep and revisions to the website.
News of Note
FMCS Director Position
Former Director Giacolone retired in January 2021 and was succeeded by Deputy Director (with the duties of Director) Gary Hattal who retired at the end of 2021. The current Acting Director is Gregory Goldstein the Chief Operating Officer since 2018. CLICK HERE for Acting Director Goldstein’s Bio.
Javier Ramirez was announced by the Biden Administration as the FMCS nominee on June 9th, 2021. He was voted favorably out of the Senate HELP Committee on August 3rd and was placed on the Senate Executive Calendar, No. 300. Unfortunately, since the Senate did not act on the nomination by the end of the session his nomination was sent back to the White House. On January 4 th the White House did renominate Javier and sent his nomination to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) on January 13 th where he was reported out favorably 17 – 4. His nomination will be sent to the full Senate for consideration once again. This process of sending back a nomination is not unusual or unprecedented (but very annoying) for FMCS Director nominations.
The White House in an unusual move, announced through the press secretary on December 22, 2021, the following information:
President Biden on Wednesday designated Gregory Goldstein, a career federal employee, to serve as acting director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and demanded that the Senate act to confirm his nominee to fill the position on a permanent basis.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service steps in to assist unions and management to reach agreement on contracts both in the private sector and in the federal government. When parties move to bring their negotiations before the Federal Service Impasses Panel for resolution, the panel often requires them to seek the aid of the mediation service first.
Biden chose Javier Ramirez for the post in June, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate by voice vote in August. But since then, there has been no action to grant him a final confirmation vote.
Ramirez joined the agency as a commissioner in 2005, and currently serves as the executive manager of its division of agency initiatives. Prior to joining the agency, he negotiated public sector union contracts.
Until his designation as acting director, Goldstein served as the agency’s chief operating officer. He is a member of the Senior Executive Service. In a statement accompanying his designation, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the position needs to be filled immediately to address the growing amount of union activity in both the federal government and the private sector.
“Because of the president’s American Rescue Plan and Build Back Better agenda, our economy has recovered more rapidly than predicted from the COVID-19 pandemic downturn,” Psaki said. “With tighter labor markets and more money in their pockets, workers have greater power to demand their fair share from employers in collective bargaining with unions across the country. These conditions have put a spotlight on the important role of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in facilitating productive collective bargaining relationships and labor-management partnerships.”
In addition to Biden’s efforts to encourage more collaborative labor-management relations at federal agencies, 2021 saw a wellspring of organizing at workplaces across the country, including coal miners in Alabama, and workers at Kellogg’s, John Deere and Frito-Lay all going on high profile strikes. More and more workplaces have seen organization drives, from news organizations like Politico to Starbucks stores in Buffalo, N.Y.
Obituary for Former Director Moffett from Washington Post 11/28/21
KENNETH ELWOOD MOFFETT “Ken”
Ken Moffett, a former federal mediator, and union leader, died on November 19, 2021, of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 24-years Mary (Taddeo) Moffett; his children, Laura Tornell, Olney, Maryland, Ken Jr., Alexandria, VA and John (Antioch, CA); three grandchildren (Brian, Scott and Melanie) and three great-grandchildren (Isabella, Oliver and Eva)
Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 28, 2021.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was saddened to learn of the passing of former FMCS Director Arthur F. Rosenfeld on May 16, 2020. Arthur died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Former FMCS Director Arthur Rosenfeld
A native of Allentown, Pa., Arthur’s “labor of love” was his “love of labor law,” where he established himself deeply in a variety of labor law roles. He earned his law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1979 and was subsequently admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, and later became a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and several other federal courts. He began his career in Washington as a labor attorney with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1979 and from there practiced labor law in the Washington, D.C. office of Hansell & Post from 1984-1986.
Arthur served as the 16th FMCS Director from 2006-2009. He distinguished himself during his FMCS tenure by, among other things, helping to end a 52-day national strike by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers against the Boeing Company in 2008. Most recently, Arthur served as the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) since 2018. His prior government service included serving as the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board from 2001-2006, serving as Senior Labor Counsel of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and worked at DOL in a number of capacities, including Counsel for Regulations in the Division of Employee Benefits, Special Assistant to the Solicitor of Labor, and Associate Deputy Secretary of Labor.
Arthur will be fondly remembered for his commitment to FMCS and his dedication in federal service to our Nation. He will be missed, and those at FMCS extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Retirements, Resignations and Passing’s
Two members of FMCS passed during the last two years while employed, Commissioner Carol Catanzariti, and Budget and Finance HQ veteran Amanda Cobb.
Carol Jeanne Catanzariti
Carol Jeanne Catanzariti 74, of Honolulu, passed away October 14, 2020. Born August 4, 1946, in New York. Syracuse University alumna.
Her careers spanned from registered nurse in Colorado to law school at University of Hawaii; Legislative Aide to Council Chair Gary Gill; labor attorney for the Hawaii Nurses Association; and finally Federal Mediator. Her personality enabled her to bring parties together. She loved participating in the Honolulu Friends Meeting.
Carol’s short stories and poems won awards and publication, inspiring other writers through organizing collaborative readings.
Her proudest moments were spent doting on her grandchildren.
She is survived by daughter, Kymmie (Jared), and four grandchildren.
Amanda S. Cobb
Obituary published by The Washington Post on Mar. 28, 2021.
On Monday, March 22, 2021, God called home Amanda Shenell Cobb. She was born May 14, 1963. She leaves to mourn, her beloved husband, Melvin S. Cobb, son, James S. Cobb, mother, Eleanor White, father, George White, two brothers, Andrew J. White and Kenneth White, a half-sister, Diane Quirley and a host of relatives and friends. Amanda was preceded in death by her brother, George A. White.
Retirements 2021 and Resignations
#953 Richard Giacolone, Director
#946 Gary Hattal, Deputy Director
#973 Peter Cheng, District Director
#1090 Commissioner Ken Armes, #1134 Commissioner Daniel Brahaney, , #1117 Commissioner Matt Cocroft, , #1160 Commissioner Richard Cunningham, #1182 Commissioner Kevin Farrell, #909 Commissioner Hank Groton, # 974 Commissioner Joe Mansolillo, # 1153 Commissioner Greg Tipton, #1197 Emil Totonchi, #1185 Randy Larson, HQ Margaret Hammonds
Please send this email to as many former, and current FMCS employees and supporters you believe that might have interest in “Friends”, so we can grow the “Friends” network (Please use private email addresss and not .gov addresses). We have great plans for growing the Friends network including the possibility of a retiree’s event once the COVID situation allows.
Respectfully,
Richard Giacolone
Executive Director
Friends of FMCS History Foundation
Copy of email of September 14, 2021 sent to known email addresses of past supporters of Friends. If you did not receive this email please send me your email address and anyone else who may be interested at rgiacolone@mediationhistory.org , thank you!
Dear Friends,
This email has been sent to you because you were at one time listed as having interest or support for the Friends of FMCS History Foundation set up as a non-profit tax-exempt foundation established by Jerry Barrett. Jerry set up the Friends Foundation to promote and preserve the history of FMCS and its predecessor, the United States Conciliation Service at the U.S. Department of Labor. (USCS). Jerry passed away last November as a result of complications from lymphoma.
Commissioner Lou Manchise, a Board member of Friends, sent out an inquiry months ago asking if anyone was interested in following in Jerry’s footsteps and leading the Friends Foundation. I volunteered after my retirement from the FMCS Director position and was appointed Director of the Foundation by the Board of Directors.
I have worked closely with Rose, Jerry’s widow, and the Board to transfer the legal responsibilities and requirements for the foundation. That task has been accomplished. I have also contacted the website provider and will work on updating the look and information on the site. Suggestions and help in these revisions are more than welcome.
The mailing list that was sent out in this email was patched together from old files Lou Manchise gathered from Friends history. I can, in some cases, clearly identify who is listed, but some email addresses are less decipherable. I also eliminated all fmcs.gov addresses, since I was advised that sending Friends emails to current FMCS employees at the work email address would be inappropriate. If you know of FMCS employees who are interested in the Friends Foundation, please forward this email to the private email of that employee.
If you want to continue to support Friends your tax deductible contribution should be made out to Friends of FMCS History Foundation and sent to PO Box #9517, Chesapeake, VA, 23321. I am also adding a link to PayPal on the website so donations can be made electronically. Web site can be found at www.mediationhistory.org .
The FMCS History archives at GWU are once again open and available for in-person review. I will continue to work through the vast catalog of the information that Jerry collected over the years and update the web site with my discoveries.
We do have developing news impacting FMCS: Javier Ramirez was announced by the Biden Administration as the FMCS nominee on June 9th, 2021. He was voted favorably out of the Senate HELP Committee on August 3rd and was placed on the Senate Executive Calendar, No. 300. He now awaits a vote in the full Senate.
Here is the White House Announcement:
Javier Ramirez, Nominee for Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Javier Ramirez began his FMCS career as a Commissioner in 2005 and is currently the Executive Manager of the Division of Agency Initiatives. This office bears responsibility for the Office of Conflict Management & Prevention, Office of Strategy & Development, the Center for Conflict Resolution and Education, the FMCS Institute for Conflict Management, and the DC and Northern Virginia (HQ) Commissioners.
Javier mediated disputes in all sectors of the economy (except air and rail) in professions such as the performing arts, public safety, professors, hospitality, hospitals, manufacturing, and packing houses. Javier facilitated and mediated multi-party disputes in manufacturing, construction, and education. He was on the facilitation team for several regulatory negotiations, including the Department of Energy (DOE) negotiations that resulted in the largest energy-saving rule in DOE history. Javier also trained and successfully facilitated parties in various collaborative bargaining models. Notably, Javier collaborated with colleagues to create the FMCS Affinity Bargaining model. He represented the agency in international tri-partite training efforts in Bangladesh and trained all New Zealand labor mediators on collaborative bargaining. Javier has been the recipient of multiple FMCS performance awards in recognition of his work, including the Director’s Award.
Additionally, Javier is regularly asked to present at national and regional conferences on conflict management topics. He guest lectured on labor relations and dispute management at the University of Illinois, University of Colorado Boulder, National Defense University, Cornell, and other universities.
Prior to FMCS, Javier spent over fourteen years in labor relations, negotiating contracts and resolving disputes in areas such as immigration, contract administration, communication, staffing, and politics at the federal, state, and local level. His efforts have been featured in Rolling Stone, Chicago Tribune Magazine, and Chicago Lawyer Magazine; cited in the New York Times Best Seller Fast Food Nation; and recognized by the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
Javier enjoys the performing arts or exploring the great outdoors with his wife and two adult children.
This is great news for FMCS, and if his nomination is confirmed by the Senate (as I expect it to be), he will be the second consecutive FMCS commissioner to be nominated and confirmed.