The Teachers Negotiation Approach and Style
In reading all the news articles associated with this case, it is readily apparent that the teachers and school board failed to meet certain negotiation goals. The result of these failed negotiations was the jailing of over 200 teachers, and after everything was said and done, there was still no contract agreement. It appears there were deep emotional conflicts between the teachers union and the school board. These emotions played a very important role in the negotiations process, and ultimately resulted in a standoff which required court intervention.
The teachers union and school board began negotiations in 2001 but agreed to a two-and-a-half moratorium after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York. During this time, it appears as though no negotiations were attempted, however shortly after the moratorium ended; the teachers abruptly went on strike. Anger and irritation appeared to be the primary motivation for the teachers. Many made verbal attacks against the school board, slanderous remarks and openly claimed how disgusted they were with the leadership of the school board. These remarks had a dramatic affect on the negotiations and ultimately resulted in teachers being jailed for failing to return to work as ordered by the courts.
Rising health care expenses was the major topic of the negotiations. There were discussions about these costs, and both sides provided background information which justified their respective positions. However, the school board did not budge on the topic. Counter offers were made to which the school board quickly declined. There were several attempts by the teachers union to make counter o ...