Labor relations between schools and their employees are likely to experience continued change in the 1980s, affecting not only the legislative framework for collective bargaining in the public sector, but also union representation struggles, job security, bargaining issues, layoff procedures, and arbitration. (RW)

Despite differences among state laws authorizing collective bargaining, and despite the variety of administrative and legal structures that enforce collective bargaining rights and obligations, a considerable degree of consensus has evolved throughout the states. Accordingly, this chapter highlights the major features of the law with respect to…