Purpose: The unanticipated changes in state legislation in Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin in 2011-12 significantly restricted or entirely prohibited the collective bargaining rights of teachers. Considering these institutional changes as a natural experiment, we examine the causal impact of weakening teacher unionization on…

In 2012, families in California filed a lawsuit alleging that five state statutes governing teacher tenure, dismissal, and seniority together violate the state constitution's requirements for equal protection. Central to the case were competing narratives about the relationship between these statutes, the work of teachers, and the achievement of…

Here, we examine over two decades of empirical literature to explore the ways scholars have been working to reveal the changing set of policy and political conditions in which teachers unions are operating. In this context, we identify the conceptual models educational researchers have used to frame their research and the applications of these…

We examine more than 1,000 collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in place across California, Michigan, and Washington. We investigate the prevalence of a set of 43 key provisions between and within these states, providing the first comprehensive comparison of CBA terms using data drawn from economically and demographically different districts,…

Paraeducators perform multiple roles in U.S. classrooms, including among others preparing classroom activities, working with students individually and in small groups, supporting individualized programming for students with disabilities, managing classroom behavior, and engaging with parents and communities. Yet, little research provides insights…

The unionization of instructional workers is a central feature of U.S. higher education, with more than a quarter of those teaching college classes covered by collectively bargained contracts. Though dated, the best existing numbers indicate that more than 430,000 faculty members, graduate students, and related personnel are in bargaining units;…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School District Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools and library…

This study examines the gender pay gap among university faculty by analyzing gender differences in one component of faculty members' salaries--"market premiums." The data were collected during the Fall of 2002 using a survey of faculty at a single Canadian research university. Correspondence analysis and logistic regression analysis were…

Fact finding, mediation, and arbitration are three methods of resolving impasses in collective bargaining. All three methods imvolve the inclusion of a third party in the bargaining process. The mediator suggests avenues along which agreement may be sought, but has no power to compel acceptance of his suggestions. Fact finders have greater power…

Through collective bargaining teachers can gain a voice in educational policy decisions and acquire greater on-the-job dignity and independence. These improvements in teachers' situations have been shown to lead to more effective education. A lengthy bibliography concludes this document. (Author/PGD)

This overview of public library unionism in the United States notes viewpoints expressed in the literature citing public-employee dilemmas, negotiation restrictions, and union effects on bureaucracies. Seventeen references are listed. (EJS)

Addresses issue of viability of the American Library Association (ALA) as a quasi-union. Discussion covers concerns raised over whether ALA should become collective bargaining agent for librarians, experiences of three professional organizations that became quasi-unions, and impact of ALA's decision not to accept role on its professional stature.…

Outlines four basic premises behind teacher mobilization and organization, explores current legislation and court decisions affecting bargaining, and reviews recent activities in higher education. (AH)

Presents national data on teacher salary trends from 1967 to 1980 as background for a review of 15 major studies on collective bargaining's effects on teacher salaries. Discusses problems in the research and concludes that the studies indicate bargaining has had some effect on salaries. (RW)

A review of the literature on managerial responsibilities in the collective bargaining process in the public schools yields two hypotheses. The first is that the degree of conflict in public school bargaining is related to the role and level of participation on the management bargaining team of the superintendent, the principal, and the assistant…