Collective bargaining is the process of negotiating and administering a contract agreement between a union and the employing organization. Although the specific provisions of collective bargaining agreements vary from one school to another, the collective bargaining process, and negotiated contract generally, address the following issues: management rights, narrow grievance definition, no-strike provision, zipper clause, maintenance of standards, just cause, reduction in force, wages and benefits, and others. Negotiators use several tactics to improve their bargaining including counterproposals, tradeoffs, caucus, and costing proposals. In recent years, collaborative bargaining has become apparent. Collaborative bargaining focuses on ongoing problem solving throughout the school year rather than dealing with a buildup of issues presented at the bargaining table. (Contains 12 references.) (Author)(TEJ)