NCJ Number
97045
Date Published
1982
Length
297 pages
Annotation
This book examines the difficulties of public sector bargaining, describes the operation of the Massachusetts Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC), analyzes the interpersonal and institutional dynamics underlying the success of the JLMC, and discusses the impact of politics on local bargaining relationships and on the capacity to resolve disputes.
Abstract
During its 5-year existence, the JLMC's dispute resolution record includes no significant work stoppages. Composed of representatives of municipal management organizations and police and firefighter unions, the JLMC was created by agreement and consent of all parties. The neutrals on the JLMC are chosen by the members. A staff of mediators is responsible to committee members and works with them to resolve disputes. As two case studies illustrate, the most pervasive difficulties are the result of internal divisions of local government associated with differing and competing interests and politics among mayors, city managers, local councils, boards of selectmen, and finance committees, among others. The JLMC's job of providing a general forum for discussing a variety of common problems among the statewide parties is important. The major unresolved issue is the availability of a closure mechanism short of binding arbitration in unresolved collective bargaining disputes. Appended materials include documents about rules and statutes relating to the JLMC. Chapter notes and an index are also included.