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.