1. Issues pertaining to collective bargaining

2. Collective bargaining is:
“a process of negotiations between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions”
Results in collective bargaining agreement
Usually includes:
Wages
Workdays and hours
Working conditions
Medical coverage
Other benefits
Training
Rights and requirements of employees
Grievance procedures

3. Brief overview of history:
1786 – First strike of US workers for greater wagers (printers, Philadelphia)
Collective working agreements become common in same time period
1835 – First general strike in US history, also Philadelphia, demanding 10 hr work day
1847 – New Hampshire becomes first state with 10 hr work day, others soon follow
1882 – Labor Day first celebrated
WWI – strikers often jailed and sent to federal prison for charges of disloyalty to the US
1935 – National Labor Relations Board established to oversee fair working conditions
1938 – 40 hour work week and minimum wage created
1946 – Largest wave of strikes ever. Over 20% of American workers strike. Union membership peaks at ~35% of workforce

4. Let’s bargain Divide into 2 or 4 groups: Given copy of old agreement
Management
Workers
Given copy of old agreement
Overview of company
List of objectives

11. Answer each as a paragraph:
1. Do you feel collective bargaining is a fair way to determine pay, benefits, and working conditions for workers at a place of employment?  Why or why not?
2. Do you think it is ok for government employees, whose salaries are tied to public taxes, to engage in collective bargaining?  Why or why not?