Question

1. In preparing to negotiate a contract with a union, what types of information would you gather before arriving at the bargaining table?

Answer 1

BEFORE ARRIVING AT BARGAINING TABLE FOLLOWING INFORMATION NEED TO GATHER-

A review of the previous negotiation

Reviews the notes and minutes from the previous negotiation. this will help in developing an indexed contract review and negotiating strategy. This will include-

• Tactics
• Timing
• Concession
• Gain

Follow up on all the agreements and commitments to determine operational impact.

Considering of unit for bargaining- It is based on negotiating track record.

Generating data-

• Average weekly hours
• Entire bargaining unit
• Each work unit
• Each department
• Each job classification
• Unworked paid hours on the job
• Paid lunch periods
• Paid break periods
• Paid wash-up time
• Paid time off for union business
• Overtime hours worked for the same units
• Premium hours worked for the same units

Proposal preparation-

• Company financial capability
• Cost of living and organization budget.

Work on external factors-

• Other employees' compensation package for similar work.
• Major benefits provided by the comparable employee.
• Develop objectives for negotiations.