1. The purpose of this forum is for you to again role-play an actual negotiation session with the goal of developing a collective bargaining agreement. The specific topic to be negotiated is related to employee wages and benefits. In this forum, your team will switch sides from the previous role played in the Module Three discussion.  

First, watch the accompanying video to get each side’s perspective on the employee wages and benefits issue.

The instructor has provided a rough framework of a collective bargaining agreement in the resources section for this module that provides some level of detail on the issue and how the agreement is currently worded. This will serve as the starting point for your negotiations. Teams are expected to research the topic and craft the language in the agreement to favor their position by Thursday of this week at the latest. Then, teams should use the Discussion Board forum as a negotiating platform to role-play a dialogue with the opposing side in order to craft the specific language required in the agreement. The object is to rewrite the agreement with the gains and concessions finally agreed to in the negotiation.

2. The two arbitration decisions and the website and library readings for this module (located in the Module Five Module Resources folder) offer differing approaches to the application of seniority.  

In the back and forth of an organizing effort, proponents of the unionization effort may cite the need for a seniority system as a way to ensure fairness in situations of layoff and promotion. On the other hand, opponents may argue that seniority systems sap individual initiative and that people who work hard should be rewarded for their efforts, not for their length of service.  

What is your view? What factors shape your point of view? Include references to this module’s readings in your responses.