8*. Evaluating our way of working with one another during the problem-solving process a. Expressing our feelings and opinions about the way we are working (or will work) together b. Planning ways in which we can improve our working relationships * Although Steps 1-7 are sequential, Step 8 should be implemented concurrently throughout the process. Negotiations AR hints in a bargaining year • Bargaining can create stress. Members therefore need feedback on the process. • Members feel a part of the bargaining when they have invested their time and thoughts in the process. Encourage them to offer input. • When bargaining becomes difficult, we are wise to work hard to maintain a steady optimism. • Maintain membership rapport. All our statements on bargaining should remain positive – right up to the end. 28 – AR Handbook • Whenever possible, avoid an aura of secrecy surrounding negotiations. Provide frequent communications. • Negotiation team members can become very frustrated during bargaining. Support your team members, especially through oral communication in the building. • When all is said and done, the most important factor in the negotiation process is care of the membership. No action should be taken that threatens the unity and rapport of members. Negotiations Overview N.J. Law requires school boards to: • Recognize and negotiate in good faith with the employee organizations on terms and conditions of employment. • Enter into written agreements with such employee organizations. • Negotiate written policies setting forth grievance procedures which may provide for binding arbitration as the terminal step. N.J. Law provides school employees with fundamental rights: • The right to form, join, and assist any employee organization (or to refrain from such activity). • The right to be represented by an employee organization for negotiations with the employer. • The right of the majority representative to act for and to negotiate agreements covering all employees in the unit. The majority representative also assumes responsibility for representing the interests of all such employees without discrimination and without regard to employee organization membership. Provides for an autonomous N.J. Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to administer the act. The commission is composed of seven persons appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Two members are representatives of the public, two are representatives of public employees, and two of the public employers. The chair is the Executive Director of PERC.
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