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.