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Pluralist models of public sector collective bargaining: Proposals for public education

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Abstract

Current methods of public sector collective bargaining are modeled after private sector bilateral negotiations. Often they do not adequately reflect the pluralistic nature of the many publics affected by the results of such negotiations. In this study the authors examine the present methods of collective bargaining particularly as they relate to the public sector. The argument is made that in the public sector, particularly where public education is concerned, bilateral negotiations are not adequate nor desirable. They violate our democratic, pluralistic traditions. The legal and political issues involved in public bargaining are examined, as are current and suggested third party roles in the process. Four multilateral models for pluralist bargaining are then developed and discussed. The article concludes with a call for formalized public participation in public education collective bargaining.

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Featherman, S., Roberts, L. Pluralist models of public sector collective bargaining: Proposals for public education. Urban Rev 16, 219–233 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01142980

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