Air Force Material Command leadership concluded a new master labor agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees Council 214 that will govern the working conditions of approximately 35,000 of the command’s civilian employees. AFMC Commander Gen. Donald Hoffman and AFGE Council 214 President Scott Blanch signed the agreement at AFMC headquarters at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, on Feb. 2. Command officials said the document, which takes effect on April 1, represents a management and labor culture that thrives on cooperation, teamwork, and a “people first” philosophy. The parties needed just 15 days to conclude the negotiations. They last negotiated a master labor agreement in 2002. In addition to Wright-Patt, the agreement affects civilian employees in Heath, Ohio, and at Arnold AFB, Tenn.; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Hill AFB, Utah; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Kirtland AFB, N.M; Robins AFB, Ga.; and Tinker AFB, Okla. (Wright-Patt release)
hinese satellites are engaging in “shenanigans” in geosynchronous orbit, maneuvering at high rates to practice orbital warfare techniques, study other spacecraft, and test new ways to evade threats, officials said—warning that the U.S. needs to be able to maneuver its satellites in response.