What is the role of the School Board vis a vis the employee unions, in particular contract negotiations?
The School Board has the responsibility to build a working partnership with the unions that represent district employees. The board should listen actively to worker’s concerns and suggestions, and be willing to explain their own positions and concerns. As a school board member I would have an open door policy, and I would urge the development of district/employee committees where none exist. One idea would be monthly meetings across employee groups to surface issues and share perspectives. Such an ongoing practice of dialogue and mutual respect would lay the foundation for productive contract negotiations. Then, based on its strategic vision and the economic realities of the district, the Board would set guidelines for the negotiation process and monitor progress as they proceed. The current “hands off” approach is not productive and ultimately does not help the district function well on behalf of the children it serves.
Related Questions
- What is the deductible and coinsurance for an ASE (Arkansas state employee) contract? What is the deductible and coinsurance for a PSE (public school employee) contract?
- What is the role of the School Board vis a vis the employee unions, in particular contract negotiations?
- How much control do the local unions have in contract negotiations as opposed to control from Detroit?
