All negotiations between the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee
and recognized employee groups are conducted subject to Chapter 150E of
the Massachusetts General Laws. The legal status of negotiations is
defined in part by Section 2 of that chapter, as follows:
Employees shall have the right of self-organization and the right to
form, join, or assist any employee organization for the purpose of
bargaining collectively through representatives of their own choosing on
questions of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of
employment, and to engage in lawful, concerted activities for the
purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, free
from interference, restraint, or coercion. An employee shall have the
right to refrain from any or all of such activities, except to the
extent of making such payment of service fees to an exclusive
representative as provided in section twelve.
Basic to all employer/employee negotiations is the concept of
"bargaining in good faith." It is the legal responsibility of both the
Regional School Committee and employee organizations to bargain in good
faith as they conduct negotiations. However, such obligation does not
compel either party to agree to a proposal or make a concession.
LEGAL REF:
MGL 150E:1, 150E:2, 150E:3, 150E:4, 150E:5, 150E:6, 150E:7, 150E:8, 150E:9, 150E:10, 150E:11, 150E:12, 150E:13, 150E:14,150E:15,
Region Voted to Approve: 3/29/11
Amherst Voted to Approve:
Pelham Voted to Approve:
Effective Date: