Sometimes the ground rules are included in the contract under the section of the contract entitled Negotiation Procedures . These Negotiation Procedures or ground rules serve as a blueprint for how the collective bargaining agreement will be negotiated. Once the ground rules have been established, each side then meets and presents its proposals or package of proposals of what is hoped to be added, deleted, or changed within the existing contract. Each side takes the time necessary to walk through each item within their package and to clearly present the proposals so that the other side understands what is being asked. An opportunity is given to ask questions of clarification regarding the items within the proposed package.
Negotiations continue until agreement is reached on items within the package.
If an agreement is reached, the items within the package form the basis for the new contract. Should an agreement not be reached, Impasse occurs. Next week, we will take a look at Impasse and the procedures related to one or both sides declaring Impasse. Click here for more information. Inc. The terms and conditions of the use of this website are set forth in our legal statement .