2 session limit

I didn't realize that there would be a two session limit to bring topics to the table. I was giving the board a look at how reasonable I could be and how a long term deal could be made at least for salary and insurance. As far as I am concerned, most "real world" negotiations can be done after those two are done. I thought it was also important to let them know what the "big ticket" items were going to cost.
If the pay and benefits are ok, I find that most people are willing to agree to about anything else. It also seems that the better the economic times, the harder it is to show solidarity. When people hurt, they band together. It is easy to count on people selling each other down the river when they are making enough to survive. When you worry about what "extras" you are going to buy is when greed and self-interest seems to set in. This is a good way to divide and conquer a union. Meet their survival needs and they are not to willing to take a stand on other issues.