Collective Bargaining Week 2, Day 2

The collective bargaining simulation on this day was a good experience, as we took our proposals and counter-proposals to the other side. Although we all know that this is just a simulation, it was interesting to observe the body language and determination of our colleagues as they played their roles across the table. There seemed to be some serious posturing by our Board member opponents in order to sway us in their direction. Nonetheless, I feel that our groups did a nice job of being "professional" at the table.
Although we only tentatively agreed on one item, we were able to generate good honest discussion about the other items, which I feel will continue to progress in a positive manner. Once again, I found it difficult to bargain on the side of the teacher association because I, as a current administrator, often found myself at odds with some of the proposals that we were making to the Board. In the end, I believe that this simulation will help me understand the process better, as well as be more understanding of the teacher association's rationale for many items that they seek in the collective bargaining agreement.