Even so, the parties are using the facilitators less frequently as they gain more confidence and familiarity with interest-based bargaining techniques. Among the most visible distinctions between interest-based and traditional bargaining is the bargaining structure itself. Traditionally, collective bargaining discussions are channeled through chief negotiators who speak for each party. Information, and any internal differences of opinion, are concealed from the other party. Each party maintains a united front.
Communications are open and all participants speak.
Internal differences are not concealed because the process requires a consensus decision to which all parties can agree. The establishment of labor-management subgroups led to better personal and professional relationships between local officers who served on the negotiating team and their management counterparts. It also provided local leaders with a greater sense of ownership of the resulting agreement. Council 8 believes the Cincinnati contract settlement is the best it obtained with the city in the last 15 years. The process allowed for meaningful discussions of economic and non-economic issues that were previously given short shrift at the bargaining table.