Sunday

I was so glad when Dr.Closen stopped negotiations. I can really understand how the preparation work is necessary so that sides don't become offended. I also really enjoyed the presentations. I really felt like it reinforced the information and gave interesting facts and perspective to the complexities of bargaining.

I was a joy to be in class with everyone.

Andrea

Saturday's Class

I was really impressed, overwhelmed with reworking all the financials again. It was a great experience. I was really statisfied with the information and help we gave each other. Laying out the information and seeing it through was really beneficial to me and the team.

Sunday (we had 'em on the ropes)

What a great day. As great of a day as you can have on a beautiful autumn afternoon in class. The negotiations got heated and we were all getting into what was going on. I especially appreciated Vicki's presentation on knowing who's at the table I think that's very important. I would have liked to had reviewed that a little more on the first weekend. The most insightful part of the entire class was at the end when Dr. Closen sat us down at the table for our debriefing. I learned so much but I feel I need to take the course a couple more times in order to be ready for the real deal. Please don't interpret that as I want a failing grade. (Ha!Ha!) Zac

Saturday

I felt the board team was well prepared, but our format was off. The way I had the page numbers and articles formated was a little confusing and you can't have that during negotiations. It makes it seem like you're trying to hide something or trick them and that definately wasn't the case. The packaging of the proposal is key. I really appreciate Dr. Closen talking us through that part of it. Preparating was stressed throughout the course, but Saturday it was really brought to life form me. If we were in this for real I'd practice going through the proposal outload right at the table for the other team was there. Zac

The End

The simulation is a must have for all of us. I feel sorry for those in the ACI class who don't get this opportunity. But they probably are from huge districts with lots of personnel to help.

Despite Dave's comments, the board side was not confused about our proposals. We just didn't have the experience that the teacher team did. Despite the number of mistakes we made, I found the experience to be enlightening and filled with lessons that I won't forget.

Waiting on the salary to propose it
Starting with the low number in a multi year first
Keeping to the ground rules or renegotiate them
Starting with a discussion of values, goals in order to begin to build a relationship
Showing numbers (some) and a package to help the other side understand our proposal and where we were coming from
Snacks! I think we needed snacks.

Andrea-hope the wedding was wonderful! Even though you weren't there, your presence was noticed as you gave inside information to through me! Perfectly timed by your chief negotiator I might add!

It was a great experience and I am grateful for my team and all the class members so that it was easy to make mistakes in the group without feeling like an idiot. I do appreciate that. It makes learning and risk taking more fun and meaningful!

kim

Sunday

Great class. I think I learned that I am not ready to sit in the negotiations without support. What we say and how we say it will determine how much success we have. If we are not prepared we can find ourselves in deep trouble. I enjoyed the sit down at the end of class. I think that if we could have had these meetings more often it would have been helpful. To have someone who has been in the trenches explain pitfalls and deal breakers would be valuable. I hope to see most of the class in research.

K

October 5, 2008

it seems as though the two sides in the simulation experienced things a bit differently. The union side seemed to pretty much "get into it" almost from the first time we met with the Board side. Truly, the biggest reason we were so into things was that meeting with the Board seemed to make things more and more difficult to even get through the simulation. For whatever reason, we were never sure if they were being intentionally confusing or if they were themselves confused :)

Regardless, it was an interesting experience. I do hope that Dr. Closen takes a moment to tidy up the simulation materials. It seems a bit difficult to approach it realistically if both sides are not using the same numbers. This was pretty much impossible as some of the numbers seemed to be made up "on the fly" as the spreadsheet and the simulation description contradicted each other.

It was fun, though. And, it was very interesting being on the opposite side of where I was this past summer. I truly wish I had this class prior to being on the Board negotiation team. Soooooo many more things would have made sense at the time.

3rd Sunday

Overall the contract negotiation simulation was a wonderful opportunity to learn the "in's & out's" of this process. Even though this was a simulation and even though I am not ready to jump in as a school superintendent/negotiator, should I have any activity with negotiations in the future, I will be better informed of the entire process and overall expectations because of this opportunity. I feel that I learned more from this class than I have in a very long time!

The teamwork among the students in the 600 level courses is very impressive (in spite of the heated moments in the simulation:). This feeling of comrades among the other administrators is a great networking advantage.

Last Saturday of Collective Bargaining

The negotiations were pretty intense on Saturday--a settlement seemed light years away! Experience from Dave and Angie have been very beneficial on the teachers' side, and I 'm just glad I am getting to work along side of them to learn from their experience-based manuvers.

Overall the presentations have been more interesting than I have seen in some other classes. Probably this is because this is such a broad topic, and I have such little experience with it myself-everything is new.

Sunday

I really enjoyed the negotiation process or simulation. It was very informative to me as I have been at the table several times but I this time through I was also trying to think as an administrator. The presentations were great. I enjoyed Kathy's information on the gender differences. Since in most instances the board is male and the union female this could be important information to both sides. Vicki's presentation on the different styles is also important especially when one is comprising a team. One would not like to staff the team too heavy with one personality versus a variety.

For those of you that this was my last class with you it has been great fun and I look forward to running into you in the future. Take care!

Suprises at the negotiation table

Today, our team started with a 'zing' about the laptops and technology. What was made in good fun - was, to me, a stunning realization that even ideas / comments taken completely out of context can be brought up. Even when my comments, discussions, ideas, and research :-) is done outside of the negotiation process, my words can come back to haunt me. What a powerful way to illustrate this concept.

Sunday, October 5

If I could change anything it would be to keep one running document during the negotiation process. It would show everything: signatures, strike-outs, additions, all language changes, etc. The union team did a much better job of this compared to the management team. Dr. Closen even suggested this at the onset of the simulation. By not adhering to this practice, we often forgot what we had agreed to and things became confusing.

For future reference:
Notetakers listen and type. We do not necessarily follow written documentation. Therefore, when negotiating, it is extremely helpful when Articles and numbers/letters are verbally given to keep things accurate.

10-5-08

I am finding the practice simulation on negotiations to be great. to watch everyone work gives me a better understanding of the process. The hard part is to think as a teacher again. When we make proposal's I want to be an administrator. I have a better understanding of how body language gives us away.

Sunday, September 21

Jay was very interesting. It was funny how some items from my school’s contract were used as examples of very poor ways to do things. Our salary schedule is truly one that was put together years ago and absolutely no one knows how or why it was put together in the manner it was. There is no pattern to the weighting, the number of lanes or steps, etc. As far as the negative effects of a strike, I was not around for the Farmington strike. However, I still hear about issues and bad feelings from that time.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

I was given a new perspective today. I now have a different view on how numbers are calculated based on the fact that I am on the union negotiation team. Though I had to continually remind myself to not see things from the viewpoint of the administration, I naturally seemed to calculate numbers from the viewpoint of the worker. Even though I did all of the negotiations this summer from the administrative perspective, it was natural to see it the other way when calculating insurance costs, etc. I looked at actual numbers as opposed to potential costs. Even though this is a simulation, it is so easy to get “upset” at the opinions of the other side of the table… interesting exercise.

Saturday, October 4th

The negotiation process has been manageable up to this point. Now that we are discussing salaries and benefits we are digging in our heals and tempers are beginning to show. One thing I noticed was the management team came from a place of financial stability for the district. The union side talked about touchy feely things like; teachers doing a good job, years of commitment, validating teachers with salary. I am interested in seeing how ending negotiations end up. I want to hear the union's side of justifiying their salary demands based on something other than warm fuzzies.

Paper, Paper, Paper, and more Paper

Wow,
one definite thing I learned this week was that I needed to develop a better tracking system of the huge amounts of paper. We needed to continually reflect on past conversations, look at notes, track conversations and ideas. The sheer volume of information is astounding. I think that next time I am involved in a situation similar to this, I will have a better method of tracking the info.
Additionally, when we were discussing numbers, salary and insurance - we were moving so fast. With everyone talking at once, disputing numbers, I really needed a minute to slow down. Now I understand that I need to know every possible financial scenario ahead of time so I can keep up with all the financial disputes. Wow, I can't underestimate the need for preparation.

Saturday

I agree with Kim that today's class went rather quickly. I agree that financial data is tricky but the key to be prepared with the numbers. I enjoyed the presentations today especially John's because it really hit home on much educating a superintendent must do with the board. It is important to take the time prior to negotiations or other scenarios to prepare and present information to the board in order for them to make the best informed decisions.

Saturday the 4th

Today went quickly.
I really appreciated the work our team did over the 2 week break. Each of us contributed and Andy added the coaching support in addition to his section work!

Today the most impressive issue that struck me was the interpretation of data/monies. Neither interpretation was wrong; just different and how do we deal with those different interpretations.

I was also struck by how intimidating the salary and benefits tends to be.
The board really does want to be fair, but it is all perspective.

Uploading to Western online

Is anyone else having difficulty uploading their papers? I ended up just sending an email to Dr. Closen with it as an attachment.

Class Reflections

I have found your comments very interesting. There is a lot to learn about the Collective Bargaining process. You must learn to "dance the dance", but you must also learn how to practice for the dance. I am glad you have enjoyed the speakers. I find that having different perspectives....different points of view.... help give the class a better picture of how the process should roll out.

Good work.....with some surprises in the simulation...but that is how it really works.

See you on Saturday!

sunday's class

I was surprised by the seriousness and intensity when the two sides sat down to the table to negotiate on Sunday. I made the comment to Dr. Closen how many of us had taken several classes together in the past couple of years but on this occasion for this simulation we were true adversaries. There was a definite intensity that one would experience in a real collective bargaining negotiation meeting.

I really enjoyed the presentation by attorney Jay Greening, he was outstanding and explained the Collective Bargaining process in a direct way that all parties would be able to understand whether experienced in the CB process or not. His financial breakdown was exceptional and he definitely hammered home the importance of the Superintendent and the board doing their financial homework. He gave sound advice that matched what I have read in the course textbooks as well as what Dr. Closen has pointed out also in class. Financial plus points: 1. know the financial conditions of your district (with past data and future projections), 2. know your teacher salary schedule compared to the market (like schools, conference schools), 3. What was the consumer price index for the last period? Use a one page document with thorough financial information to share with your people, and maybe the other side if it will not hurt you in the CB process. His professionalism and expertise probably earned him some more business when my colleagues and I become superintendents in the future.
I like this class very much because of its practicality and dealing with situations that our realistic to training as a superintendent. There is definitely more substance than fluff in this course!

Saturday's missed class

I was ill on Saturday so I spent several hours reading our two texts to catch up on necessary reading as school/principalship has been extremely demanding in the first month of the new year. From my experiences in Collective Bargaining class and listening to experiences shared by professor, classmates, and guest lecturers-- I think we would all have to agree with the point of view shared by Ronald R. Booth. Booth states, that the most important job of the superintendent and the school board is their role in the collective bargaining process. I agree with this assessment because if the Supt./board mess up royally in the Collective Bargaining process they may cause serious financial issues for a district. Keith Littell points out in class the major problems they had at Chester with the major mistakes made by their board and supt. in reaching their agreement with the teachers union.

Booth also pointed out that: "Successful collective bargaining can probably be best described as a process in which: a contractual settlement is reached without a strike; contractual agreements are within the board's parameters regarding economic benefit settlements and specific provisions; both the board and union emerge looking good, as though each did its job competently and fairly.

Jay could be worth his money

I don't know what Jay Greening charges but he could be a lawyer worth his rate. Everything he had to offer was outstanding. His suggestions about how to propose a financial package that is substancially less than what the teachers are asking for was excellent. The message was clear when it comes to the boards bargaining on the language in the contract. Give your rational for why you're proposing what you're proposing and don't play games with throw aways. This doesn't necessary mean that a line has been draw in the sand. It simply means that this is a firm belief. The follow up on past practice was beneficial as well. The examples of comparisons made for a more beneficial discussion. In the future I'd suggest having him come on the first weekend before the interest based presentation.

Frustration on Monday night

First I must apologize to all you overachievers that I made fun of for posting right away like we're supposed to. Having waited so long I forgot my user name and password for Google and had to call Sandra for guidance in creating another google account. Thank you Sandra! Saturday gave us all a little taste of the adrenalin rush that Dr. Closen had speak to us about The aura of negotiations was at the table when the first proposal was presented. When the board team started creating the counter proposal I was really into it. I got home that night and was thinking to myself why did you get so worked up over a simulation activity. Then I woke up Sunday morning and was excited to get back to the table and give the teachers our counter proposal. You really have to keep your emotions and body language in check during negotations.

Sunday-speaker attorney

After hearing the attorney, I wish as the board in the simulation we had started with the goals. I think that would have given us something to start with that was positive (or potentially) rather than just a list of asks and then respond to those. I like the feel of that better.
I also found his comments regarding the process of doing interest based bargaining interesting. I thought that he found the IEA method to be cumbersome and the outcome could be more in favor of the teachers. I also thought the method was cumbersome and SO time consuming. But I really like the concept.
He seemed to as well. I think the approach and starting with goals would help that. I REALLY liked the idea of the supt making sure to build those relationships as you go throughout the year to head off any issues, but also to be aware of the issues that would be coming from teachers in order to be prepared. I could see that supt who are not connected would have little or no idea of what issues teachers might find important. I think this would be very impacting especially in a small school like I am now.
Very insightful Sunday and great speaker.

Sunday -- weekend #2

Mr. Greenings visit was so beneificial and enlightening. I wish we would have more time in our class to prepare some of the documents that he highlighted during his talk. It would be beneficial to me to work through the process of preparing the financial information for my current school and in comparison to comparable schools before I am in the "real life" situation.

Also--the contract negotiation simulation is quite interesting--because of my research topic, I have been watching the behaviors of people at the table. We all should look in the mirror and practice our "poker" faces before going to the table!

Class #3

Interesting day! Since I haven't been involved in the past with contract negotiations and haven't sat at the table, it was excellent experience to be involved in this simulation. I'm so glad we are doing this. Angie does an excellent job of leading our team, but also is able to make this simulation seem very "real life." I appreciate Dave's expertise with the spreadsheets and other financial information and Kathy and Andrea are real assets to the notetaking process. Keith and I are the cheerleaders and the researchers. It is an excellent team.

Sunday

Today was very good. In all of the role playing we have done during these classes this one truly pulls you in. The body language and the tone of everyones voice tells the tale. Frustration, surprize, disbelief are all shown in the interaction. It almost becomes a game to see what we can get and what they will take from us. Jay was great, he put it all in perspective. We are all working for the common good of the district. While you give the other side what they can have you must show them that is all you can give. His comments on how you must work together after the contract and how you present yourself during the negotiations determines that working relationship. I remember after some of the negotiations our school district had gone through. Sometimes we walked away feeling we had created a win-win contract and it was a great working environment. But there were a couple that lead to some very hard feelings. If the superintendent had listened to Jay talk I believe those bad relationships would not have occurred.

Jay Greening's Visit

Well, what does one say? We certainly recieved a lot of great information today. Several things I took away today were:
1. Language - "I would like you to put your best foot forward" How can you argue with that statement?
2. I like Jay's explanation on why to give things up early and why it is important to let them know you are going to say "no" to certain things.
3. Going over the financials and insurance was invaluable.
Thank you Dr. Closen for bring Jay into our classroom. I also believe the simulation you are asking to participate in is extremely valuable. It almost feels like the real thing. I think Dave is out for blood! Look out administration!!!!!!

Sunday

When I had entered this course, I felt that my experience negotiating contracts and policy would help me in this course. I now understand that collective bargaining and contract negotiations are completely different experiences. A simple miscalculation can lead to future financial difficulties, problems at the bargaining table, or both.

Today, I felt totally overwhelmed with numbers, implications, and strategies to use to ensure that the most fair and equitable proposal was on the table. I realized a simple miscalculation or poorly planned proposal has serious implications - and how much financial planning is necessary to be fully prepared for everything.

I look forward to the remaining weekend - this entire process has been insightful.

Class Four: Guest Speaker

I too was pleased with the resources given to us by Mr. Greening. The comparison salaries and health benefit pieces were very helpful. I do think it would have been more helpful if he spoke before the simulation began. I found his information was more specific and when you are pulling from limited to no experience in how to conduct a bargaining session his tips would have helped structure ideas for the board. The planning of the framework and discussing the goals and agreeing on the goals is helpful. I agree with Dr. Straz that knowing the jargon helps, but if we, the board members, had articulated our goals it would have given parameters for the discussion for the person leading the board team to reference. Those goals could have been the lenses that the board approached the initial meeting. It is very difficult once proposals are sent to go backward and fill the gaps in preparation.

Second Sunday

Jay’s overview of his collective bargaining experience was a good compliment to what Dr. Closen had been going over. I wonder if it would be better to have the sample scenario a little shorter with perhaps a few less possible areas of disagreement so the simulation could progress to a more realistic outcome. Who know, perhaps it will do so.

Class Three: Reflection on Simulation

Day one of the simulation was interesting because I have never been at the table of a contract negotiation: and, I was really uncertain what to expect when laying ground rules. Our inexperienced team was trying to demonstrate flexibility by not having too many ground rules, or rigid ground rules. In hindsight we really should have been more concise. When addressing how items are to be proposed and counter proposed, I think a template would have been more satisfactory. That way each side had the same format, and no one was guessing what article or section was being addressed. Also, having the one spokesperson ask the clarifying questions and caucusing then coming back for additional questions would have probably worked better. Typically I hate simulations and role playing, it typically seems over contrived and those with the most acting ability dominate the process. However, in this simulation I am definitely more engaged. It has made me aware that I need to volunteer and discuss within my districts leadership to be more actively involved with our next negotiations!

Reflection of Sunday, September 21

There were many good resources mentioned today and provided in the packet of information from the attorney. I would have been interested to see several examples of what he might consider to be "excellent contracts." I tend to agree with his opinion that when one side states that they have gone as far as they can go, but then suddenly find a way to go further they send a message that they don't mean what they say or they are simply blowing smoke.

The simulation was again interesting as we had our first opportunity to try to get a feel for what the "Board" interests were for a new contract.

Reflection of Saturday, September 20

The bargaining simulation was a brutal reminder that it is so easy for us to forget what it was truly like to be on the "teacher union end" of a bargaining cycle. It was a little difficult to try to think like a teacher again and consider items to request from a board when we now think "board and administration." While putting together the teacher proposal, I felt like we were truly working as a team to form a realistic proposal request similar to what a true teacher proposal would look like. It is interesting to me that we, as administrators now, immediately think "what is the research on that?" I would venture to guess that we have not always thought in those tones.

I find the simulation to be interesting and valuable. Personalities come out even when we role play.

Sunday Reflection

It is fun to watch personalities at play during the negotiations. Eye rolling and tones can really make an impact even when one realizes this is just a simulation for class. Working through the process as a teacher yet keeping an administrative lens on can be difficult. The lawyer was right on when he talked about not nit picking on language if not necessary. I really liked his idea on laying out the financial of comparable districts. This would be a great tool to show to the board and let them see how the competition works. Looking forward to some power negotiating!

Saturday, Sept 20 - D. Black

Well, wasn't that interesting? I really thought that I would find the whole negotiation simulation pretty boring. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Though it was difficult to quit thinking like an administer and put on my union member hat, I think we all eventually found our groove. I found it interesting that some on the Board seemed confused by the fact that they were going to have to do some research in order to respond. It seemed like some might think that the union would actually walk in and share research, etc. in order to make the Board response easier. I have been involved in negotiations from both the union and the administration perspective. That doesn't happen in my experience. Plus, the administration can always just say no. The Union can ask for absolutely anything that crosses its mind. That doesn't mean that there is any "research" behind the request or that the administration has to take it seriously, Sometimes, the union negotiators request things merely because the idea is important to some in the membership. It may not be important to the union but they have to include it for political reasons. I must be kind of sick. I actually like this stuff.

1st day of negotiations

The opening serve of our negotiations went well. I did learn that the key spokesperson should not be the destabilizer. When I was chosen to serve that role, it became apparent that it was not going to work. While the spokesperson may not have to be versed with all the jargon of the parties, it sure helps.

Saturday the 20th

After the shocker of trying to remember things from finance class, it was nice to realize that the application of that knowledge is across other classrooms and real life experiences. It is hard though when I don't use it all the time. I don't remember how to use excel equations when I don't use them all the time. But it is nice to know that it comes back after brushing off the cobwebs.
The simulation was a surprise for me as I thought that the teachers would offer a thorough and researched contract. It was hard not to giggle at (my perception) of the ridiculous nature of just making an ask for something without any substantiation at all. Just-here's what I want. Dr. Closen said that is usually how it is. Then the board (supt)has to do all the work to respond. This was a really good lesson for me.
I enjoyed working with my group. It was interesting to see how the group broke off naturally in smaller work groups. We then came together for a final product. In my opinion we were extremely effective and productive. WELL DONE GROUP!

Negotiations from 9/20

At times I forgot we were only in a simulation. The dynamics of the room changed, and we are very comfortable with each other, once the session began. It started to "feel" like an us vs. them. This activity is proving to be beneficial. In the ground rules the Union asked for each item to be presented on a separate page. Sounds easy enough. However, once we (Administration) began looking at their demands, it was much easier working off the original contract. It is also extremely important for the administration to know what its financial situation is, at least 3 years out if not five, before Union demands are considered. We cannot counter-offer a raise percentage if we do not know what our cash flow is going to be. We also need to keep in mind soft versus hard revenue. Dr. Closen keeps stating to trust your own facts and figures. This proved true when we found two mistakes in the financial information we had been given. I am looking forward to today's negotiations.

9-20-08

I am enjoying the process of the mock negotiations. I have never sat in on negotiations so this is a new experience for me. I would like more information on determining the financial impact of the contract. I think I have a good understanding of the process but good is not good enough. A slip up here and you can seriously impact your district. The power point was good but some role playing could clarify the information. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

Sat. 2nd Weekend

Today was interesting. It was very difficult to change hats back to be a teacher and seeking their requests. Trying to work with a contract that one has not actually worked under or enforced is somewhat trying also. The process has been informative and has made me thing about all of the processes necessary to ensure that any contract is adequate and works for the district on both sides.

Finances and Attention to Details

True leadership includes attention to details and a solid understanding of financial planning. One thing that this class is continually driving home is that as an educational leader, you must understand more than your school community, but the community around you - and paying attention to financial trends. A crystal ball would be a very useful tool. :-)

As an adult educator director, I have worked on rapid response teams when factories have closed. In the community college world- typically, student enrollment increases as adults attend classes for re-training. Although the impact of lost tax revenue is felt, it is not as immediate as in the public school. Yet, until today, I never truly understood how immediate the impact on a schools financial status.

Education administrators need to plan for the immediate needs, and the future needs of their school. This is an extremely difficult process which requires strong financial planning and attention to details. What an eye opening experience.

Thanks for the clarification

I did not realize we had to do a post for each day. Not a problem because I really enjoyed the weekend. My first post talked about the weekend so my second will dig deeper. Those who know me that I can talk your ear off. Writing gets me tongue tied. The insight that Dr. Closen in fact that everyone shared was very useful for me. The positioning and the offering of proposals are important and I will refer back to them as I file my notes for the future. In 32 years of education I never sat in on negotiations. In my teaching years I was a coach and it was not a position that worked when negotiations got tough. So all coaches were exempt from the team. The next 14 years I was a counselor and we rode the fence between union and administration. I knew both sides of the story so I was not included. As a principal I work with the teachers so it was discouraged. The discussion of strikes, mediators and arbitrators are a wealth of knowledge. As sick as it sounds I look forward to using the knowledge shared by everyone to bargin my first contract.

Day 2 of class--Sunday

Thanks goes out to our speaker on interest-based bargaining. This method makes so much more sense, however, I can defintely see why and how it could seem more laborious to some people and maybe even less satisfying IF the people involved just like the "haggling" of bargaining/negotiating. Interest-based bargaining has a much more "problem-solving" feel to it which helps not only groups get the best outcome, but one that is probably more long-term satisfying for both parties. Honesty and trust are key factors in this method, though. If either party doesn't trust the other, it would be very hard to start off "laying all the cards on the table." But . . .I do like that it gets passed the "game playing." I could really see myself looking into using this method in the future--but I would defintely want both parties to have a total buy-in before getting started and plenty of training.

Sunday's simulation

After we participated in the simulation exercise and listened to Jerry afterwards, I realized how important it is to focus on each word in a sentence and not make assumptions. I have never been part of a negotiation team but whenever I hear people talk about "going over the language word-by-word" I now understand why. I also see the importance in keeping notes and passing them for signature after each meeting. There can be many interpretations of just one sentence.

I have also experienced misinterpretation through simple e-mails. It is not always easy getting down in print just exactly what is meant. I find myself and others sometimes needing clarification. Does anyone else experience this? Information passes so quickly now, there is little room for error.

Wow! I can defintely see why there is an entire class devoted to this topic! Collective Bagaining is a very large subject with lots of meat & and potatoes to cover. Because I never chose to be a part of the union during my years in education before becoming an administrator, I do not have any personal experiences from which to draw. For seven of the years before I was an administrator, I was a counselor--working very closely with the principal. Therefore, the union did not really openly invite me to be a member, even though they knew I had a right to do so--I really had no interest in it, but I liked to ask them questions that made them uneasy sometimes. I guess they never heard the saying, "keep your friends close and your enemies even closer!" --of course that saying wouldn't apply as much in the interest based bargaining.
I have found both days of instruction to be very interesting--overall I have learned a great deal about the entire process as well as new vocabulary (ie. caucus, greviance, fact finding, arbitration vs mediation)--which, of course, I really had no "real" understanding of before.

Sunday: essential questions = interest based bargaining

Our district is in the process of developing common assessments for a core curriculum that was established last year. The key to formulating these assessments is applying essential questions to the core curriculum. This ties into interest based bargaining in that you have to ask those simple questions that have complex answers that ultimately get at what the big ideas are. This is interest based bargaining. Everyone must be willing to sit at the table, abide by some basic norms, be committed to the process in order to get at the big issues that effect everyone.

Saturday:trust, packaging, grievance, and history

• It's been mentioned numerous times in the postings but it's worth mentioning again that nothing is going to get accomplished without trust.
• I'd like to hear more about packaging offers, but I'm sure that's coming.
• A grievance can only be filed in regards to something that's in the contract. This goes to show how beneficial it is to management to have as thin of a contract as possible.
• The fact that collective bargaining came out of the private sector, but didn't hit the public arena until the late 60's was of interest. It really didn't surprise me that Illinois laws are heavily in the favor of labor as opposed to managment.

Class Two: Response to IBB

I too enjoyed the introducation of the IBB process, but understand how it could easily become overwhelming to those participating in the process. IBB did offer a more problem-solving pattern to bargaining that is not just limited to those mandatory contractual topics. I think that IBB would offer insight into cultural norms, limitations and understandings of the sub-cultures within a school district and benefit all sides in contract issues and policy making. On the flip side, I could see where people outside of the bargaining room may question the process and feel that each side conceded and really did not "win". Although interest based bargaining is not a win/lose, the perception of all bargaining is typically the latter. The public relation piece for large organizations using the IBB process would need to be explored prior to engaging in such bargaining so no one organization feels manipulated or mislead into such a process--especially considering the work time involved.

Sunday

Like many others who have posted, the training on the IBB process was very helpful and again emphasizes the need to have training before bargaining the real deal.

I was surprised how hard it was for me to get away from the "I want" and "how do we get more for us" syndrome. Is that just from years of traditional bargaining contracts? Maybe it is the union mindset as my husband is an electrician. I would have found it difficult to trust the management team in the IBB process to really want positive outcomes for the employees. I hated that I didn't have that trust. So, when after all the participants go through the training, it is that process of training that helps all participants prepare for bargaining, but build the trust through the training process. Is that right?

A very thought provoking process that I shared with my superintendent!

Sunday's class

Sunday's Interest Based Bargaining presentation was very productive. It reinforced the importance of establishing trust with both sides and how essential it was to do your homework and preparation for negotiations at the table. I was intrigued by the various tactics and strategies which are employed by both sides as pointed out by Mr. Meehan. The in-class self-reflective exercises were functional as it gave us all a glimpse at the dynamics of the bargaining process. Mr. Meehan hammered home the importance of being specific and sticking to the minute details when you were at the table, in order to not waste time or make silly mistakes. While doing the the exercise on which six people to choose he backed up his point of not getting bogged down with the discussion of too many options.

Sunday 09-07-08 David Black

The IBB presentation was interesting. Having been through the traditional bargaining process, I can see the benefits of IBB. However, I can also see how there could be a huge time investment with IBB that many might be reluctant to make. Perhaps this is why IBB hasn’t caught on? Also, training is involved. I don’t believe anyone on either side of the table at our bargaining sessions had been to any type of training. Honestly, it showed on both sides.

As for the group activities we did on Sunday, I found it interesting how people’s personal viewpoints came to the surface during decision making time. Their personal views even colored their discussion of different topics.

Saturday's class

I enjoyed the presentation regarding the fundamentals of the collective barbaining experience. This was a quality review for someone like me who only has the experience of being a teacher representative twice during contract negotiations and that was over eight years ago. Dr. Closen reinforced the importance of building trust in the negotiation process. I valued his comment of building personal relationships with his non-certified staff. A stroke of genius to daily take the time to visit his people and build trust and rapport with them. This method employed by Dr. Closen cashed in dividends at times of turmoil, plus it showed his staff who are underpaid and possibly underappreciated that he cared, the personal touch can go a long way.

Reflection of Sunday, September 7

I enjoyed the Interest Based Bargaining training and the brief opportunities we had to "practice." It was clear that to truly understand and be trained, more time would be crucial. I understand now how board members and others may have a difficult time feeling successful using IBB if they have been heavily involved in the traditional model of bargaining in their past. It was difficult for many of us to move away from the attitude of "winning" and "losing" during our brief time of "giving it a whirl," and it was just an exercise for us. It takes an entirely new mindset for IBB to be successful. I do think that a more positive end result would probably be gained by using IBB than the traditional model for many.

Reflections of Saturday, Sept. 6

The discussions and presentation regarding grievances and "truthfulness" were very interesting. Sometimes both administration and union members may become wrapped up in the "game" of bargaining and then forget that the contract must end up to be a tool that everyone is able to work and live with. Past practice is one thing that became more clearly defined for me as our discussions progressed.

first weekend

This first weekend was very informative. Negotiations as a suprintendent are much different than that of a teacher. In every district I have been involved in they have kept the principal out of harms way. The philosophy has been "you have to work with the teachers and if negotiations turn sour you need to be neutral". This class is giving me a different perspective.

The overall concept of negotiations is common knowledge but I enjoyed the key "little" hints.

The session on IBB was very informative. I now see why the training takes two days. We learned enough to understand the process but not to participate.

Reflection of Sunday

I thought the presentation on Interest Based Bargaining was very interesting. While it make sense to have all topics for negotiations up for discussion, I do not see the typical union going down that path. They have had too many years of doing what they do (arguably with success) to change the way they do business. We will see.

I think it would have been better to have this presentation after we do our traditional simulation. If after we had done our traditional one and then followed up with the same issues using IBB we could compare.

Sunday Reflection

Today was interesting to me as I have negotiated before but only utilized traditional bargaining methods. Interest based bargaining was very interesting to watch and learn about. I felt that in this type of negotiating that everyone would have felt that they played a significant part. In traditional bargaining sometimes team members may feel as if they were just a cheerleader. In interest based bargaining everyone contributes and feels like they were an active part.

Reflection on Sunday: the Spin on the Proposal

Today was a wealth of personal discovery for me. Negotiating takes patience - patience in hearing a team members entire idea and taking the time reflect on the idea prior to either accepting or discounting the ideas.

The most interesting concept of today was that "an unchallenged assumption is a fact." It was a reminder to me that facts must be challenged and reviewed. Without taking time to do the research for negotiations, you will not have the background knowledge to question the presented facts or offer options / suggestions for further discussion.

Reflection on Saturday - Trust at the Table

Saturday's discussion about trust at the bargaining table let me to reflect on the need for building relationships. Negotiations do not begin at the onset of contract discussions, rather - they begin the first day on the job. The foundation for successful negotiations is set in the way we respond to every day school issues which include relationships with principals, instructors, school board members, students, and community members along with fiscal responsibility.

If, on a daily basis, we approach our responsibilities with integrity, commitment to excellence, and authentic leadership, the contract negotiations will come to a successful conclusion. Success is working through complicated issues while maintaining a positive school climate.

09-06-08 David Black

Saturday Post 09-06-08 --

I found the discussion quite interesting considering my experiences over the summer with bargaining a negotiated agreement. I found the experiences Dr. Closen shared especially interesting as many of them mirrored experiences we had. One of the surprising things that I learned during the negotiation process was the point that was presented regarding the tactic of making sure the union’s bargaining team looks good when they leave the bargaining table with a negotiated agreement.

The IFT vs. NEA comparison was truly something that I witnessed this summer. The IFT represents my present school. Even the language they used was much more traditional union (calling each other “union brother” for example).

Saturday

I enjoyed the first class on collective bargaining and look forward to mock negations exercise. Having been on both sides of the fence (labor/management) and look forward to learning and gaining different styles of negotiations. The one thing I learned from our AFSCME negotiator is that “if they don’t score, they can’t win”. He means do you homework and research any proposal.

Class One: Reflection Past Practices

One of the topics, that, I felt had an immediate wow factor, was when we discussed past practices. Often times I see and hear principals (even I have been an offender) say things like, “that is how we’ve always done it” or “its just the culture of this one building”; although, contractually it is evident that this is not an approved practice by any party (central office, union). It does harbor a need to reflect on the greater impact that building practice can have on negotiations or even just fueling solidarity among its union members prior to negotiations.

Saturday 1

I wondered if all teachers are trained when they sit on a union negotiating team. It seems pretty important to have the background that we do now. I can't imagine being a key member of a team without having the experiential training that this course will give us.
When Dr. Closen sent around the financial profile, I was reminded how closely tied this collective bargaining process is with the experiences we had in the finance class, especially the forecasting and spreadsheets. Superintendents really need to have all those kinds of things up to date before this process begins. I wouldn't want to be the superintendent who doesn't have those things and has to put them together in short notice for the union.

9/6 Comments

I did not realize the importance of each person's role in the negotiation process. It reminds me of the stage. We must adopt a role and stay in character. It is important not to muddy the process by crossing over into someone else's role. It will be interesting during the simulation to see if we can accomplish this task.

Saturday

I enjoyed the history of negotiations and bargaining that was discussed today. I was just thrown into the role of a negotiator without much background or instruction. I agree with Dr. Closen the process has to be viewed as a game. Those involved should not take anything personal. (At least if the process occurs in good faith and is ethical.)