AMXS supervisor uses first-hand experience on both sides of labor, management issues Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Reaching a consensus of opinion often means people have to put themselves in someone else's shoes, but Allen Hammond doesn't have to worry about that. When it comes to labor and management relationships, he actually has stood in shoes on both sides. He was a union steward when he was tapped to serve in the Connector's group formed last year to try to improve labor and management relationships here. Since then, he has moved into a management role as resource supervisor in the 562nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Having been on the labor side as a mechanic and as a union steward, I probably have the best of both worlds as far as knowing how the mechanic thinks," he said. "I know the things they like and don't like, and what's good for morale and what's not, and I can share that with management." He was recognized for his contributions to improving labor and management relationships with the Foster Leader-ship In People award. He started out at Robins 21 years ago as an F-15 sheet metal mechanic. He became a union steward while working in the 562nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which has responsibility for C-17s. Hammond said the 562nd has worked hard to be a good place to work by improving communication between labor and management. He also said the Connectors, made up of half management representatives and half union, have helped. "I think we've accomplished quite a lot in terms of bringing management and labor together," he said. "Prior to that time it seemed like both sides wanted to accomplish the same goals, but not together." He added, "I think what we've accomplished with the Connectors is to break down that wall and let everyone see we have one common goal and that's the good of Warner Robins ALC."