Offers 40 suggestions to superintendents and board negotiators who find they are involved in stalled negotiations. (Author/WD)

A simulation exercise of a labor-management dispute is used to teach psychology students some of the basics of descriptive statistics. Using comparable data sets generated by the instructor, students work in small groups to develop a statistical presentation that supports their particular position in the dispute. (Author/RM)

Absenteeism of 130 direct-care staff in a residential facility for developmentally disabled persons was reduced by 27 percent through positive reinforcement for reliable attendance and punishment (progressive discipline) for attendance abuse. Reduced absenteeism was maintained for 12 months and overtime was reduced, but staff turnover increased.…

Labor studies are often not included or underemphasized in the elementary and secondary school curricula. This ERIC Digest examines major themes of labor studies; inclusion of these themes in the curriculum; likely positive outcomes of labor studies in the curriculum; and available resources for teachers and students. Key historical events, the…

Guidelines for supervisors and managers in handling grievances are presented, with suggestions for avoiding the long and costly arbitration process whenever possible. The author stresses that management must understand the perspective of the arbitrator who is bound by the labor contract and precedent. (MF)

Presents a weekly schedule of topics and related reading assignments for a social management and technology course focusing on technology, work, and productivity. Broad topics include introduction, historical background, problems of the contemporary workplace, and alternatives. (DC)

The lesson for junior high and secondary social studies classes illustrates the effects of a breakdown in the functioning of one key system in an interdependent network. Based on an airline strike, the activity involves students in identifying the subsystems affected by the strike, devising solutions, and writing business reports about the…

Drawing from personal experience with a bitter and prolonged labor dispute between the administration and faculty union of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, this paper offers observations about the factors acting as barriers to individuals taking responsibility for an institution's well-being. After outlining the problems that…

Offers guidelines for productive negotiation between management and workers, including a role-play exercise designed to improve negotiation skills. (Author/WD)

This document highlights some of the major issues of concern to the labor movement, particularly those that have pending legislation. This instructor's guide offers suggestions on how unions might educate their members on these issues during scheduled union meetings, seminars, or workshops, or in conjunction with specialized campaigns such as a…

Offers suggestions for surviving a strike, solving common problems during the strike, and reuniting the school afterwards. (JM)

This book contains 16 units with 1 to 6 lessons per unit. A wide range of subject areas regarding workers and organized labor are addressed with lessons for both primary and secondary education levels. Though the focus is predominantly on grades 1-6, the curriculum can be modified to apply to various grade levels. Unit titles include: (1) "Child…

A project was designed to reduce the turnover of direct care staff in a community-based residential facility that provides a home and educational or adult day training services for 54 severely or profoundly mentally and physically handicapped children and adults. The project sought to reduce total staff turnover by 40%, reduce employee…

The resource guide provides teachers with background materials and references for teaching labor history. Sections include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Curricula and Guides"; (3) "Exemplary Labor in the Schools Programs"; (4) "Teacher Training Programs"; (5) "Guest Speakers and Adopt-A-School Programs"; (6) "Student Readings"; (7) "Teacher Readings";…

This manual presents a proposal to reduce arbitration or negotiation impasses and to accommodate conflicting interests by selecting a permanent neutral to monitor labor relations both during the term of the agreement and during contract negotiations. Part 1 describes the role of the permanent neutral during the term of the collective bargaining…