Outlines circumstances under which it would be advantageous for a school board to initiate an unfair labor practice suit against the teachers' union. (IRT)

The author's study reveals that collective bargaining constitutes a costly example of the liberal tendency to ignore the costs of procedural rights. Those who benefit from collective bargaining and its attendant strife include state labor relations agencies, labor attorneys, fact finders, and the mass media. (Author/WD)

This book describes the structure, operations, and influences of teacher unions, especially the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). There is a belief that an NEA/AFT merger will take place in the 1990s, and that the emergence of strong teacher unions is an important development in education, the…

Examines the role of the National Education Association (NEA) as employer and the agreements NEA has made with the two unions representing its employees. (IRT)

Fact finders should be called on the scene only when an impasse results in a disagreement over facts. Nevertheless, mediators typically recommend fact-finding regardless of the nature of the impasse. Such a move typically exacerbates the controversy instead of settling it. (Author/IRT)

Argues that collective bargaining in the public sector poses insuperable obstacles to educational reform because of the combined effects of the time required for bargaining and mediation and the vested interests of teachers' unions in maintaining the status quo. Reform proposals have thus far failed to take account of the dynamics of collective…

Guide for administrators regarding teacher contract administration, arbitration, and grievance procedures. (LR)

Most of the differences between private and public sector bargaining are advantages for the public sector. (Author/IRT)

Guidelines for school board negotiators concerning inclusion of statutory benefits in teacher contracts. (LR)

This booklet is the first in a series about teacher union issues. It notes that agency fees raise profound issues in education, labor relations, and public policy. Chapter 1 introduces the booklet, explaining that it is helps clarify major agency fee issues and recommend appropriate action. Chapter 2, NEA/AFT Revenues from Agency Fees, explains…

Where it is appropriate, school boards and superintendents can lead a no-representation campaign against teacher unionization. (IRT)

Considers the fallacies behind the following common school-board negotiating practices: attaining labor harmony through collective bargaining, never rescinding once-granted benefits, refusing to grant a demand for fear of escalating demands, and gaining teacher gratitude and reduced tensions through board generosity. (JW)

This booklet, one in the Education Policy Institute series about teacher union issues, examines issues related to membership in the National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Both unions aggressively strive to enroll more members or require teachers to pay agency fees. If teachers want to change union policy,…

The fact that public employees do not have particular rights accorded private employees may not be inequity if public employees enjoy benefits not shared by private employees. Public employees' political influence on public sector bargaining is probably the most important difference between the two sectors. Political activity pays the teacher…

Teacher collective bargaining is expected to have negative consequences for educational reform measures such as merit pay because the union's function is to advance the compensation and benefits of its constituency. The author maintains that the public sector union is a de facto political party formed to influence public policy. (MLF)