Section 1.
The Association and the Library acknowledge that a major responsibility of the CRS mission is to respond expeditiously, effectively and objectively to research inquiries from Members of Congress, congressional committees and other congressional organizations as provided for in the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-510) and other related congressional mandates.
Section 2.
The Parties further recognize the responsibilities of the CRS to coordinate with, and to provide assistance to, other organizations such as the Congressional Budget Office, and the Government Accountability Office.
Section 3.
Management shall consult with the Association when CRS plans significant changes in the Service-wide system of priorities for responding to congressional requests.
Section 4.
Managers, supervisors and employees will strive to treat each other with professional respect and courtesy in all work assignment and review situations. Further, in exercising managements right and responsibility to review employee work, managers and supervisors shall recognize existing relationships between the employees and their Congressional clientele and permit employees to receive proper credit for their research or work product.
Section 5.
In recognition of the professional nature of the work performed, no researcher who is accorded the opportunity to sign written materials will be compelled to associate his or her name with any material with which he or she disagrees.
Section 6.
A copy of any adverse written comments received from a congressional office about an employee or an employee’s work product shall be supplied to the employee. Upon receipt of a copy of adverse comments, the employee will have the opportunity to respond in writing to the Director of CRS.