Despite a statutorily narrow scope of bargaining, the scope of topics of union-management discussions has widened over the last 20 years, resulting in the birth of reform, or professional, unionism. But over the last half decade, professional unionism has waned. School management often refuses to see unions as partners, politicians fail to view…

This paper discusses the role of trust in relationships between teacher unions and their school districts. While the authors are not opposed to unions and management developing more trusting and collaborative relationships, their experiences and research suggest that trusting relationships will not by themselves bring about education improvement.…

This book suggets that teachers and teacher unions should take the lead in making changes to promote educational quality and prepare students for the 21st century, where knowledge rather than industry will be the organizing principle. Part 1, "A Call to Action," describes how American society is changing and how these shifts necessitate the…

Discusses results of teachers' unionism in setting standards for teaching and representing teachers' economic and work conditions interests. Suggests that despite the efforts, teachers are still workers subject to coercion and exploitation. Argues that the profession's boundaries are hard to define and defend, and existing laws do not support the…

A study of 10 schools in 3 school districts examined how labor relations affect teachers' work attitudes and behavior, and how labor relations and contract provisions take on practical significance in the school and classroom. A three "generation" model of labor relations development--based on levels of conflict and the legitimacy accorded the…