We must not forget, however, that it is the outstanding work of all our dedicated employees that will enable America to take fullest advantage of this opportunity. As reorganization moves ahead, we will never lose sight of the importance all of you have in this effort. Although any change of this magnitude causes personal uncertainties and anxieties, I hope to allay some of them now, and I will continue to share information with you as we move forward. Although we expect that over time integration will yield efficiencies and savings as well as improve effectiveness, there are no plans for a reduction in force. I am pleased to report that under the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, all personnel will be transferred to the Department at the same grade or class and the same rate of basic pay or salary and with the same tenure as held prior to integration.
Some flexibility is needed to align people and positions most effectively.
The act gives us authority to do this sensibly. For up to six months after the transfer, the Secretary is authorized to assign transferring personnel to positions or sets of duties in the Department, except that by virtue of such assignment neither grade or class nor rate of basic pay or salary will be reduced, nor will tenure be changed. The Department will offer more opportunities for retraining and upgrading skills. The Foreign Service Institute will work with USIA colleagues to integrate public diplomacy into the FSI curriculum. FSI will soon run a pilot course on public diplomacy intended for a wide audience in the Department and other U.S. government agencies.