I agree with Mike, negotiations are not easy - although coming from the district I am in, I knew this as not a single contract has been negotiated in my tenure that wasn't threatened to head to mediation and/or strike.
I found it interesting the comment made by Dr. Closen that the admin doesn't have to negotiate a new contract - they are functioning under the previous one, so why re-negotiate. And, while it is not feasible to just not negotiate, this definitely sets the standard that admin has the power from the start-middle-and end. I can somewhat see what union groups get contentious. I never looked at the situation in this way. Our union seems to have so much power but I am beginning to see it is also because we have admin that do not understand the contract and teachers that refuse to do the minimum level of work.
During the actual simulation, comments were made in a joking manner and I can see where in a real situation this can be construed very negatively. I can see why it is important for everyone on your side must be on the same page. There were times when team members wanted to add something to what the spokesperson was saying and in our situation, that person got "shushed." That was crazy! I'll bet that lack of preparation makes this type of situation very frustrating.
I do have a question - can anyone on the team call for a caucus and is there a limit to the number of these?
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