Process
Your union web source on contract negotiations

The last round of bargaining followed the timeline below, a chronological listing of what generally happens during bargaining prepartions and actual negotiations.

january - February 2006:

• Tentative Agreement (available Jan. 31 for download) S- Union and State Negotiating teams agree to contract language. If a settlement can´t be reached, unresolved issues are submitted to a neutral Fact Finder, whose recommendations are binding - unless rejected by 60% of eligible members or by 60% of legislature.

• (Feb. 16 - 21) Chapter leaders briefed on tentative contract provisions at regional meetings.

• (Feb. 17 - 28 ) Contract Ratification - Members vote on accepting or rejecting new contract terms. Traditionally, 14 days before contract expires. Voting Schedule

winter - spring 2005:

• Bargaining Advisory Committee Meeting - A 60-member group made up of Board members, district and assembly presidents to review priorities and mobilize members.
• Research conducted and member input solicited.

April 2005:

• Building Union Power 5 Conference
  

summer 2005:

• Bargaining Council meets and elects Negotiating Team, a Union team which approves strategies and develops recommended contract provisions.
• Bargaining priorities set
  

august - september 2005:

• Union Power events held in support of the bargaining team throughout the state.
• Bargaining seminar hosted for union leaders.
  

October - november 2005:

• Bargaining is tentatively set to begin in late November. The State and Union teams exchange proposals for contract changes. This occurs, by law, 60 days before the contract expires. See events for specific bargaining session dates.
• Bargaining sessions continue.
  

January 2006:

• Mediation - Neutral Mediator assists in trying to resolve bargaining disputes. This occurs, by law, 45 days before contract expires.

january - February 2006:

• Tentative Agreement - Union and State Negotiating teams agree to contract language. If a settlement can´t be reached, unresolved issues are submitted to a neutral Fact Finder, whose recommendations are binding - unless rejected by 60% of eligible members or by 60% of legislature.
• Chapter leaders briefed on tentative contract provisions.
• Contract Ratification - Members vote on accepting or rejecting new contract terms. Traditionally, 14 days before contract expires.
  

March 2006:

• The new contract becomes effective, upon the voting membership's approval.
  

spring 2006:

• Legislature approves and funds new contract.
• New Contract training starts
  

summer 2006:

• New contracts are passed out.