Bargaining unit determination procedures in the public sector: a comparative evaluation.

Abstract

A crucial first step in the formulation of a statutory framework for public sector collective bargaining is the selection of a procedure(s) for bargaining unit determination that will produce stable and workable employer-union relationships. In an attempt to provide empirically based policy guidance to legislators and administrative agency officials, this study presents an extensive examination and analysis of the experience of the several government jurisdictions that have previously made this decision. In the final section of the report, the authors explore the ramifications of their findings for any future state and/or federal collective bargaining legislation for public employees.