[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 113 (Wednesday, August 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S10262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ROBERT TOBIAS

 Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Robert 
Tobias, a man who has shown untiring commitment to the concerns of 
Federal employees. Recently I had the opportunity to attend one of the 
receptions in his honor hosted by the many Federal employees he has 
represented and led so effectively.
  Mr. Tobias, who is retiring after four terms as president of the 
National Treasury Employees Union, NTEU, has proven his dedication to 
the fair treatment, professional development and quality of life for 
Federal workers time and time again. During his 31 years of service, 
the organization has grown to the point that it now represents over 
155,000 men and women who serve our Federal Government. For the past 16 
years, Mr. Tobias led the NTEU, spearheading initiatives to ensure fair 
workplace policies for Federal workers and pursuing effective labor-
management policies for more efficient service from Federal agencies. 
But perhaps most importantly, he's championed family friendly policies 
to help our outstanding Federal workers continue to meet demands and 
increase productivity. These innovations include implementing 
alternative work schedules and negotiating child care facilities for 
busy Federal families.
  Because of his outstanding reputation, he's won many awards and 
appointments, most notably his appointment to the National Partnership 
Council and the Commission to Restructure the IRS among them. Under his 
leadership, he's ensured that Federal employees are included in the 
many decisions to help Federal agencies run more efficiently and that 
they are publicly recognized for all the hard work they perform.
  Robert Tobias leaves an indelible mark on the Federal workplace by 
the hard work he has done on behalf of NTEU--indeed, the nation--and we 
are indebted to him for his service. I wish him continued success as he 
moves on to teaching and writing, knowing we can still rely on his 
voice and experience when it comes to the critical needs of Federal 
employees.

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