This paper reports on a study that systematically analyzes the hundreds of collective-bargaining agreements for school districts in the state of Michigan. It examines collective bargaining's impact on Michigan's public education and makes recommendations that school boards should incorporate into their union contracts to improve their ability to deliver quality education to students. Part I provides a background to collective bargaining in Michigan: its history, the laws that have shaped and are shaping it, especially Public Act 112 of 1994, and the challenges it presents to school board members, parents, taxpayers, teachers, and students. Recommendations to school boards on what to bargain and what not to bargain are also included. Part II analyzes collective-bargaining agreements, obtained using the Freedom of Information Act, from each of Michigan's 583 school districts, identifies 8 key provisions that commonly hinder the educational process, and makes recommendations on how school boards can best improve their ability to provide the best education. Part II also reviews seven court rulings on collective-bargaining agreement issues and advises school districts on how to avoid contract provisions that might expose them to costly legal and financial penalties resulting from employee lawsuits. Employees' workplace rights are also explained, while demonstrating the school district's role in protecting those rights. Appendixes include Health Care Options for School Districts, Select Data from 583 Michigan K-12 Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Michigan School Financial Data. (Contains 122 references.) (DFR)

Collective bargaining in the public schools of the nation has its legal roots in the industrial labor model fashioned in the 1930s out of labor strife between union organizers and private businesses. This industrial union labor model was transplanted almost wholesale into the public sector over fifty years ago when teachers, fire and police personnel were granted the legislative right to collectively bargain their wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment in most states. What impact has this industrial model had on public education and on the relationship between teachers and administrators? Labor Relations in Education explores unions and collective bargaining in the public schools of America. The history of the laws, the politics of the response to collective bargaining and unions, and the practices of bargaining and managing a contract are explored in this volume. Changes that may move labor relations into professional relations and away from the industrial labor union model and diminish the schism that exists between educators are discussed. A fully developed simulation is included to employ the practices and concepts discussed in the book.

This is one of the first compilations on collective bargaining in higher education reflecting the work of scholars, practitioners, and employer and union advocates. It offers a practical and comprehensive resource to higher education leaders responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining collective bargaining relationships with academic personnel. Offering views from an experienced and diverse group, this book explores how to manage relationships in collaborative, transparent, and equitable ways, best practices for meaningful outcome measures, and approaches for framing collective bargaining as a long-term process that benefits the institution. This volume provides an overview of the contemporary landscape, benchmark measures of success, and practical advice focusing on advancing collaborative, equitable, and sustainable labor relations approaches in higher education. Designed for administrators, union leaders, elected officials, and policy makers, at all stages of their careers as well as for faculty and students in graduate programs, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for those who endeavor to conceptualize, conduct, manage, and implement collective bargaining in more mutually effective and beneficial ways for all parties.

Educators at the Bargaining Table provides a roadmap for understanding the path of bargaining for those who have not sat at the table. For those beginning bargainers and experienced at the ebb and flow of table talk, this book provides signposts and practical applications for bargaining. There is something for all educators, teachers and administrators, early career and experienced educators to learn and apply from this book.

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide to help school boards understand collective bargaining and the labor-management relationships in their districts. Chapter 1 describes what school-board members need to know. Chapter 2 discusses some of the political and legal realities that school boards face in the collective-bargaining process. Chapters 3 and 4 depict how bargaining works and describe some alternative bargaining styles. The fifth chapter examines the board's reaction to union demands, with a focus on building credibility. Chapters 6 and 7 offer guidelines for preparing to bargain and understanding roles and responsibilities. The eighth and ninth chapters describe strategies for resolving a negotiation impasse and responding to a teachers' strike. Ten concluding recommendations are offered in the final chapter. Four tables and a glossary are included. (LMI)