How does collective bargaining work?
Representing the Governor, an assigned LRO negotiator representative negotiates collective bargaining agreements, called “master” agreements, with each union representing more than 500 state employees. Each master agreement will apply to any agency with employees in bargaining units represented by a particular union. Some agencies will have more than one master agreement. One of the master agreements is with unions that represent less than 500 bargaining unit employees. This group of unions bargains collectively with the state as a coalition. Under the law, higher education institutions have the option to negotiate labor agreements through their own governing boards, or they may ask the Governor’s Office to negotiate on their behalf.
