This article examines the legal and political significance of teacher unionization in rural and suburban school districts between 1960 and 1975. While most historians focus on the growth of unions in urban areas, strikes in outlying districts played a determinative role in the development of public sector labor law, particularly in the arbitration…

School superintendents have many roles, and being responsible for collective bargaining is one of those roles in states where collective bargaining is mandatory. This role has changed over the years, and it varies from school district to school district. As teacher associations and unions have increased in number and strength, superintendents and…

THE AUTHOR STATES THAT GROWING DEMANDS BY ORGANIZED TEACHERS FOR NEGOTIATION CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND POLICY FORMULATION HAVE BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT SUCH BARGAINING THROUGH PROCEDURES WHICH DO NOT INTERRUPT ORDERLY SCHOOL OPERATION. TRADITIONAL LEGAL AUTHORITY OF LOCAL BOARDS OF EDUCATION TO MAKE UNILATERAL POLICY…

The history of events leading to the merger of the Flint, Michigan AFT and NEA units Plus some observations on merger steps being taken elsewhere. (MF)

Recent activities of the National Education Association, state teachers' associations, and various local teachers' associations indicate that states which do not now have them should adopt statutes regarding collective negotiations. This report analyzes the laws of 17 states which do have such statutes. The recent New York act, one of the newest…

Boards are effectively countering teacher strikes and threats of teacher strikes. (IRT)

Since collective bargaining in public education is here to stay, boards of education should learn to accept it for what it is--an adversary process. The author contends that striking is not a very viable weapon in the arsenal of the teachers' union because the schools will continue to operate, and public pressure against prolonged strikes and…

SEVENTY PERCENT RESPONSE TO A SURVEY OF THE NATION'S 6,000 LARGEST SCHOOL SYSTEMS (1963-64 ENROLLMENT OF 1,200 OR MORE) INDICATED THAT 45 PERCENT OF THE DISTRICTS ACKNOWLEDGED A FORMAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHER ORGANIZATION AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, WITH GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED FOR NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING SALARIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS. BOTH…

The speaker establishes himself in opposition to teacher strikes, outlines the scope of teacher strikes, discusses arguments for and against the right of teachers to strike, presents the kinds of strikes that are possible, outlines what a board and the administration can do to head off a strike, and presents the American Association of School…

This publication is intended to help school management personnel become more familiar with the nature of and the means for resolving negotiations impasses. Aspects of mediation and arbitration are discussed, and basic negotiating techniques that help school boards win arbitration cases are presented. Also provided are a sample arbitration case…

Based on recent bitter experience, this article tells districts how to prepare for a teacher strike. Administrators should assess their public relations program and the strength of their board, know their adversary (the union) and the bargaining process, asssess the management team, and plan strategically. (MLH)

A style of bargaining for educators and school boards is described, based on rational inquiry, open discussion, and peaceful persuasion. (MF)

Teacher Militancy Dialogue from the proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Education Commission of the States (3rd, Denver, Colorado, July 7-9, 1969).