Suggests the use of problem-solving techniques that should preclude the need for arbitration in settling some grievances. (IRT)

Discusses the interpretation and application of contract language. Gives attention to the arbitrator's handling of ambiguity, intent, past practice, and prior record. (Author/IRT)

Fact finding, mediation, and arbitration are three methods of resolving impasses in collective bargaining. All three methods imvolve the inclusion of a third party in the bargaining process. The mediator suggests avenues along which agreement may be sought, but has no power to compel acceptance of his suggestions. Fact finders have greater power…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mediation, particularly in a civil rights context. Stresses the importance of having court action as a fallback position. (CMG)

Arbitrators agreed that the dress issue is not constitutional and that the employer's desire to maintain product cleanliness and employee safety takes precedence over an employee's desire concerning his or her hair. However, an employer's desire to maintain a certain image does not take precedence. (IRT)

Binding arbitration in public employment, in contrast to its use in the private sector, results in policy making which has the force of law. (Author)

In a previous article, Gordon A. Gregory and Mark Heinen criticized John M. Caraway's article describing recent successful experiences with the use of mediation in place of arbitration for failing to note the perception of the grievants. A reexamination of the data show that 80 percent of the grievants were satisfied with the mediation procedure.…

This discussion of potential uses of mediation as a management and communication tool focuses on the library setting. The nature of conflict is considered, and the concept, basic principles, and applications of mediation as a form of conflict resolution are presented. The four steps in the mediation process are then described: (1) Introduction,…

Advocates at grievance arbitrations should know the requirements for challenging arbitrator jurisdiction, especially timeliness; should know the procedural safeguards in the contract that must be followed in order to sustain discipline; should know the theory of the case; and should realize that techniques of presentation may be important.…

Discussion of the use of consensus-building techniques to resolve public policy disputes focuses on the use of a simulation of the conflict that needs to be resolved. An example is given of the National Energy Policy Simulation that was designed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-Harvard Public Disputes Program. (38 references)…

Dealing with the topic of negotiation, this issue discusses experimental social psychological studies on negotiating behavior, the ways that power is used in negotiation, consequences and considerations involved in choosing a negotiating strategy, mediation, the cognitive constraints to negotiation, and similarities and differences between…

This paper develops the rationale for the utilization of a special board of inquiry in complex labor-management disputes when collective bargaining breaks down. (Author)

While it serves to resolve bargaining impasses, the question remains whether the price we pay for resolution by arbitration is higher than is justified. This is especially true in light of the availability of other impasse resolution techniques, most notably the strike option. (Author/IRT)

Argues that binding arbitration undermines the authority of public employers and that school boards should institute due process and the termination of striking teachers under applicable state law in those states in which teacher strikes are illegal. Journal availiability: see EA 511 612. (IRT)