Two examples of bluff pressures (as opposed to real pressures) used by mediators to effect contract settlements are presented, along with advice to negotiators on avoiding or minimizing such tactics. (Author/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)

Provides a procedure for resolution of agreement impasses that attempts to make collective bargaining the important ingredient of the industrial relations pattern in the public sector. Includes an analysis of and a rationale for each step in the procedure. (Author/IRT)

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)

Reviews three Massachusetts court cases involving nontenured teachers that helped delineate the scope of an arbitrator's authority. (Author/IRT)

The authors review the qualifications for hearing officers required in Public Law 94-142 and suggest that practicing labor arbitrators in the public and private sectors be considered for use as hearing officers. (Author/IRT)

Examines the issue of "impartiality" in arbitration. The Minnesota experience regarding the growth of arbitration in both grievance administration and contract negotiations is described. The utility of a raw "win/loss" criterion is questioned. The conditions for impartiality in arbitration and the outlook for same are…

Examines the use of final-offer arbitration in public sector collective bargaining in five states. (PKP)

Factors such as the "internal/external" status of the chief negotiator and expressed attitudes regarding the perceived benefits of collective negotiations were found to be related to the stage of bargaining at which a settlement was reached, as well as the number of hours spent in negotiation. (Author)

Outlines current practice in resolving grievability/arbitrability disputes that arise in the federal sector. (Author)

Reviews public employers' obligations to arbitrate grievances during periods of contract hiatus. (PKP)

An analysis of over 1,700 negotiations conducted by 289 Indiana school districts revealed that collective bargaining conversion from voluntary to compulsory mediation and factfinding sharply reduced the length of negotiations but had no effect in reducing the number of severely protracted negotiations. (MLF)

Sheds light on labor relations in Australia through an examination of its governance of education, Australian teachers and unions, the history of compulsory arbitration, some contrasts between compulsory arbitration and collective bargaining, some contemplated changes in the governance of education in Australia, and some speculation about the…

Reviews various ways of resolving collective bargaining impasses in education. Discusses mediation, fact finding, and arbitration and concludes that none has prevented teacher strikes. Binding arbitration is called for as a legislative remedy. (Author/JG)

Describes six representative grievances that have arisen in Pennsylvania state colleges since enactment of public employee collective bargaining legislation, focusing on case backgrounds, applicable contract provisions, contentions of opponents, and arbitrators' decisions. The grievances discussed involve termination of employment, tenure,…