This paper discusses how the inevitable upheavals caused by economic difficulties surrounding declining enrollments can be lessened by dealing with the subject in the collective bargaining arena. Through joint participation in the negotiations process, school administrators and teachers can reduce tensions associated with the right of an employer to lay off employees and can come to an agreement on giving notice before layoffs and selection of those to be laid off. This paper also deals with affirmative action considerations and alternatives to layoffs. (Author/LD)