All factions in the Union should attend to this clear explanation of the contours of collective bargaining for a public sector union. The bargaining table is the only place in which both parties, theoretically, have equal power. Either party can propose or reject contractual provisions. But the reality is that when bargaining with politically elected opponents, there is a silent third party at the table, the electorate. The need to explain and sell any contract to that third party constrains both management and Unions in accordance with their understanding of how that electorate will react to any contract. Did the city give away too much? Does the electorate believe that the Union is demanding changes that will benefit students or only seeking to enrich their members at taxpayer expense?
The UFT worked very hard to become a trusted presence in the City on educational matters, and is continuing that work by empowering and training parents today. A strike could cost not only the members money, but also damage that relationship with the electorate that is so central to effective collective bargaining in the educational sector.
Any faction in the UFT seeking a leadership position has to be cognizant of these factors and have a strategy to not only engage the members, but also to appeal to that third party, the public.
All factions in the Union should attend to this clear explanation of the contours of collective bargaining for a public sector union. The bargaining table is the only place in which both parties, theoretically, have equal power. Either party can propose or reject contractual provisions. But the reality is that when bargaining with politically elected opponents, there is a silent third party at the table, the electorate. The need to explain and sell any contract to that third party constrains both management and Unions in accordance with their understanding of how that electorate will react to any contract. Did the city give away too much? Does the electorate believe that the Union is demanding changes that will benefit students or only seeking to enrich their members at taxpayer expense?
The UFT worked very hard to become a trusted presence in the City on educational matters, and is continuing that work by empowering and training parents today. A strike could cost not only the members money, but also damage that relationship with the electorate that is so central to effective collective bargaining in the educational sector.
Any faction in the UFT seeking a leadership position has to be cognizant of these factors and have a strategy to not only engage the members, but also to appeal to that third party, the public.