One More Time - What Is Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector All About? (From Labor-Management Relations Among Government Employees, P 9-19, 1983, Harry Kershen, ed. - See NCJ-101095)

• NCJ Number: 101096
• Author(s): C E Overton; M S Wortman
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Baywood Publishing Co, Inc.
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This general introduction to collective bargaining in the public sector examines the definitions, characteristics, and goals of negotiation.

Abstract

Collective bargaining involves the performance of the mutual obligations of the public employer (Federal, State, or municipal) and the exclusive representative of the employees to meet at reasonable times, to confer and negotiate in good faith, and to execute a written agreement with respect to wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. In addition, neither party is compelled to agree to a proposal or to make a concession. Collective bargaining provides a mechanism for equalizing power between employees and managers. Specific goals of public-sector collective bargaining include the retention of effective organizational control, establishment of stable relationships with unions, advancement of the personal goals of managers, promotion of the economic welfare of the membership, acquisition of control over jobs, advancement of broad social objectives, and the advancement of the personal goals of union leaders. In addition, collective bargaining serves to identify and analyze areas of labor-management conflict, enhances conflict resolution, and provides a process and system for managing future conflicts. 7 references and 3 discussion questions.