Labor Relations Programs to
Prepare Boards for Bargaining

This fall, approximately 200 school boards will enter negotiations with their teachers’ associations. In addition, many boards will also be bargaining with their support staff and their administrators/supervisors associations. With an unprecedented level of financial constraint and rising costs, coupled with legislative and regulatory uncertainty, it is more important than ever that boards prepare for this upcoming round of negotiations.

To help boards get ready for negotiations, NJSBA is offering two bargaining programs this fall. Preparing for Bargaining on Sept. 11 will help boards understand the role of the bargaining team, how to cost out the contract, how to develop board proposals, and the legal requirements that govern the negotiations process. Intermediate Bargaining on Sept. 25 will address union proposals, counter-proposals and tradeoffs, as well as effective communications techniques and impasse procedures.

In addition, the Labor Relations webpage provides information on current topics, including health insurance information. It also contains current negotiations data and links to two subscriber services: Index and Analyses of PERC Decisions and The Negotiations Advisor Online. These labor relations resources can be valuable tools for districts that are preparing for negotiations.

NJSBA’s labor relations staff members are also available to answer questions and assist board members, administrators and attorneys on such topics as negotiations, grievances, mediation, fact-finding, job actions and salary guides. Go to the Labor Relations webpage for more information on the department’s programs and services, or call (888) 886-5722, ext. 5219.

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