Suggested subjects for ground rules:
- Set a schedule of meetings with times to meet. (Example: each Wednesday at 9:00 am for the next eight weeks.)
RATIONALE: good negotiations require a planned program so that all team members can clear their schedules. You cannot negotiate with a “round robin” team. Also, this helps to let everyone know what is expected of them so that intelligent use can be make of meeting preparation time.
- Set a procedure calling for proposals to be exchanged in writing.
RATIONALE: In order to keep accurate records, all proposals must be in writing. Don’t ever let management say “we never offered that.” Keep a record!
- Set a location for meetings. A “neutral” site has some real benefits.
RATIONALE: A regular place of meetings will add to some stability in negotiations – also allows for less interruptions. If this can be nailed down at the outset, smoother relationships will result.
- Set a procedure for reaching tentative agreements on each article and/or section of the contract.
RATIONALE: You can get lost in the process if you don’t have a clear understanding as to what has been agreed to and when.
- Written ground rules are a voluntary subject of negotiations. Get what you can and move on.
- Avoiding bad ground rules is more important than having good ground rules.
GROUND RULE “DON’Ts”
DO NOT agree to limit your rights to talk to the newspapers, radio stations, etc., at any time.
DO NOT agree to keep anything from your members.
DO NOT agree to tell them who your team is in advance. (That is, keep your options open to change your team at will.)
DO NOT agree to limit visitors or observers to the bargaining session. (You may wish to bring outside experts and/or certain key members into the session.)
DO NOT agree to turn in your package in advance. All initial proposals should be exchanged, or at least given to management after they commit to a firm date for a response.
DO NOT agree to negotiate salary and fringes benefits first. It is nearly always advantageous to work out contract language first and high value items such as salary and fringe benefits last.
DO NOT agree to waive your right to add to original proposals, especially if you are going to the table early.
DO NOT agree to keep “outsiders” out. You may well want someone from SDEA or another bargaining unit to sit in on some sessions. Keep your options open.
DO NOT agree to any time schedule that will hamper your preparation time. Remember, management has full time to do their homework.
DO NOT agree to any tape recordings and/or other type of “official’ record of proceedings. In both traditional and collaborative bargaining, your team should take notes. In traditional bargaining, the written proposals are the only “official” record of the proceedings.
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