Issues pertaining to collective bargaining

Collective bargaining is: “a process of negotiations between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions” Results in collective bargaining agreement Usually includes: Wages Workdays and hours Working conditions Medical coverage Other benefits Training Rights and requirements of employees Grievance procedures

Brief overview of history: 1786 – First strike of US workers for greater wagers (printers, Philadelphia) Collective working agreements become common in same time period 1835 – First general strike in US history, also Philadelphia, demanding 10 hr work day 1847 – New Hampshire becomes first state with 10 hr work day, others soon follow 1882 – Labor Day first celebrated WWI – strikers often jailed and sent to federal prison for charges of disloyalty to the US 1935 – National Labor Relations Board established to oversee fair working conditions 1938 – 40 hour work week and minimum wage created 1946 – Largest wave of strikes ever. Over 20% of American workers strike. Union membership peaks at ~35% of workforce

Let’s bargain Divide into 2 or 4 groups: Given copy of old agreement Management Workers Given copy of old agreement Overview of company List of objectives

Answer each as a paragraph: 1. Do you feel collective bargaining is a fair way to determine pay, benefits, and working conditions for workers at a place of employment?  Why or why not? 2. Do you think it is ok for government employees, whose salaries are tied to public taxes, to engage in collective bargaining?  Why or why not?