The Collective Bargaining Program is designed to offer a unique learning experience for both skilled and new bargaining practitioners. Participants analyze, build, and practice effective bargaining techniques which are useful in an ever changing bargaining environment. The class is divided into four teams, with each team assigned a specific set of objectives to accomplish during the bargaining simulation at weeks end. These objectives are derived from current negotiation problems faced by our representatives in the field. Each team is evaluated on how well they achieve their specific objectives.

At the conclusion of the program each representative will be better prepared to serve our members, and deal with the contemporary collective bargaining issues facing the IAM. The following are some of the topics covered during the week:

Techniques for building solidarity & unity in the Local Union
Basic costing concepts used in bargaining
Using model language to formulate contract proposals
Creating a cohesive bargaining committee through effective team
building strategies
Researching and evaluating the Companies ability to pay
Understanding the IAM policy on concession bargaining
Laws that impact the bargaining process
Benefits of coordinated bargaining
Strike planning principles to unite a power base
Alternatives to strikes
Bargaining to win