Labor Relations: The Meet and Confer Process

While a thorough examination of the philosophy and components of interest-based bargaining are beyond the parameters of this workbook, a brief explanation is needed to understand the value of this process. 291

Interest-based bargaining contains terms that are not generally used in traditional bargaining. Accordingly, it is appropriate to review the definitions of the more commonly used terms.

Issue :

Means a topic or subject of negotiations

Interest : Position : Options : Standards :

One party’s concern, motivation, fear or aspiration about an issue

One party’s (predetermined) solution to an issue

Solutions that can satisfy an interest

Objective characteristic or factors to compare and rank options Consensus : Decision reached by the group when it finally agrees upon a single alternative and each group member can honestly say:

 I believe that you understand my point of view;

 I believe that I understand your point of view; and

 Whether or not I prefer this decision, I support it because it was arrived at openly and fairly, and it is the best solution for us at this time.

i. Features of Interest-Based Bargaining One way to understand the process is to think of interest-based bargaining as containing the following features:



P rinciples



A ssumptions



S teps



T echniques

1. Principles There are four primary Principles:



Focus on Issues Not Personalities



Focus on Interests Not Positions

 Create Options to Satisfy Both Mutual and Separate Interests

 Rank and Evaluate Options with Standards, Not Power

2. Assumptions There are also four Assumptions:



Bargaining Enhances Relationships



Both Parties Can Win

Labor Relations: The Meet and Confer Process ©2019 (s) Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 61