Structuring Collective Bargaining in Public Employment

Abstract

Initially, and by way of establishing a framework, we address two general questions: first, the extent to which a single structure, at either the state or federal level, should govern municipal labor relations; and second, the impact of collective bargaining on the role of government and the functions it performs. We then examine at length what may in short be called the strike problem: what mechanisms can replace the strike if it is to be prohibited; what sanctions should back up the prohibition; and, if strikes are to be permitted in non-emergency situations, what steps can be taken to reduce the vulnerability of the political process. Finally, we address the scope of bargaining issue: what should be the role of collective bargaining in resolving disputed issues which involve terms and conditions of employment but which are also matters of political import.