Negotiations

The 1, 2, 3 of Negotiations

            The NASCOE negotiating process is a very interesting one. I was asked to be the Midwest Area Negotiation Consultant last fall by Mark VanHoose, the MWA Exec.  In the fall, a plea for negotiation items goes out to all NASCOE members.  No matter if your issue is about a benefit, program, staffing, workload, IT, whatever. It is all important.  Every member counts.

            The items are forwarded to the NASCOE secretary, who compiles a book of requests, which is sorted by category.  If you don’t think your item counts, well I’m here to tell you that it does.  In January, the Negotiation Team meets and discusses each and every item that is submitted.  The items are assigned to two people, usually an Exec and a Consultant, to review procedure, research possible solutions, survey members, and whatever else it takes to figure out a viable solution. 

            Items and solutions are sent back to the NASCOE secretary.  She again compiles the requests, but this time sends them to WashingtonDC to let the DC Departments know the issues/concerns that are in the field with a possible solution.    The different departments look over the requests/solutions and respond back to the secretary on their take of our issues/concerns/possible solutions.  The responses from WDC are then sent out to the Negotiation Team.  The Execs and Consultants check over their items again and finalize their requests and possible solutions.

            In April/May, the Negotiation Team meets in Washington DC.  The first day is a “practice run”.  The items and solutions are discussed to make sure everyone understands the item and solution we are looking for.  The next two days are long days, but very informative.  Some of our requests are “do-able” according to the departments, some are not so “do-able”.  Unfortunately, sometimes you have to agree to disagree.   

            The negotiation process is an eye-opening experience.  As set forth May 23, 1959, in the first Constitution and set of by-laws of NASCOE, “… employees may be enabled to render better service by having a nation-wide medium for the exchange of ideas and information and have facilities for closer cooperation in working toward a solution of mutual problems…”.  This is your system.  Use it.

            I have the ut-most respect for our NASCOE Officers, Execs, and Committee Persons.  I knew they worked hard, but didn’t really know how hard until I saw it first hand. If and When you get the opportunity, please remember to say THANK YOU for what they do for you.

By Charlene Neukomm