The final steps

October 7, 2007

A common theme throughout this course rings: relationships and communications. Throughout the class presentations, guest speakers, readings and Dr. Closen’s information the bottom line in negotiations are relationships. It was interesting when guest speakers came from different perspectives and sides of negotiations, the common theme still came through loud and clear: relationships and communications between parties. As we continued through our negotiation process, the closer the contract came to settling, the closer the relationships between the two sides.

It is good practice to be proactive in negotiations. Prepare for all ways the negotiation can go. Preparation can help the process. In addition, it was noted today to never retaliate during the process when things get tough. It will never benefit negotiations.

Interesting comment from Dennis Triggs about negations is the way of his life. All things are negotiable. When you think of collective bargaining in this manner, the process seems a little easier. We all negotiate in our daily lives: students, employees, employer, children, and partner ect. It is also important to note specific supersedes general and when negotiating contracts to watch the language. Do not tie yourself to items or language in the contract and make it more difficult to implement. Some language could actually hinder an administrators job. Help both sides to understand the intent of the language of a contract and to be realistic in the language. Dennis also noted a contract is a living document and is expected to change. I liked walking through a contract and looking at the language. That helped to see a document and hear advices as to what is good and bad language. It helped to know what language is easy to work with in a contract and what should be changed.

Good day!