Do Your Know These Top 2 Stages Of Collective Bargaining That You Can Use To Get Maximum Gains?

The whole process of collective bargaining takes place mainly in two stages are given below:

Stages

1. The negotiation stage and

2. The stage of contract administration.

1. The Negotiation Stage:

In collective bargaining, carrying out negotiations and reaching an agreement constitute only half the process. The following steps briefly explain the negotiation stage –

(a) Identification of the problem.

(b) Preparing for negotiations.

(c) Negotiations of agreement.

Image Source: familybusinessinstitute.com

(a) Identification of the Problem:

The nature of the problem influences the whole process. It influences the selection of representatives, their member, and period of negotiations and period of agreement that is reached ultimately. Hence, it is important for both the parties to be clear about the problem before entering into the negotiations.

(b) Preparing for Negotiations:

The preparation starts with selection of representatives. When representatives are selected for negotiations, the following points should be borne in mind:

(i) They should be able to carry out negotiations with patience, and composure.

(ii) They should present their views effectively.

(iii) Their authority and power should be clearly spelt out.

(iv) They should be educated about the problem.

After selection of the negotiators, the other preparations will include fixing up time for negotiations, period of negotiations etc.

2. The Stage of Contract Administration:

During negotiations the representatives should be attentive as to find out what the other party is arguing for.

They (the representatives) should be attentive to the other parties’ problems. By understanding their problems and weighing them, sometimes a better solution may be reached, which is more acceptable to both the parties.

It is very important that representatives reach the negotiating table with positive attitude. Unfortunately, some representatives tend to only think about how effectively they can say “no” to the proposals put forth by the other party. This is a major obstacle in the bargaining process.

When a solution is reached, it is put on paper taking concerned legislation into consideration. Both the parties concerned sign the agreement which becomes a binding contract for both the parties. If no amicable solutions can be reached, both the parties resort to arbitration.