Article 1

Governing Laws and Regulations

Section 1--Relationships to Laws and Government-Wide Rules and Regulations

In the administration of all matters covered by this agreement, officials and employees shall be governed by existing or future laws and existing government-wide rules and regulations, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 71, and by subsequently enacted government-wide rules and regulations implementing 5 U.S.C. 2302.

Section 2--Past Practices

It is agreed and understood that any prior benefits and practices and understandings which were in effect on the effective date of this Agreement at any level (national, council, regional and local), and which are not specifically covered by this Agreement do not detract from it shall not be changed except in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 71.