Common use of Employer-Employee Relations Clause in Contracts

Employer-Employee Relations. A. The parties recognize that a strong and effective school district/educational institution in a democratic society requires a cooperative effort between labor and management at all levels of interaction. The parties further recognize that if education is to be a top priority in the State and nation, the parties must pursue their joint objectives with renewed dedication, initiative and cooperation. Collective bargaining has proven to be successful instrument in achieving common goals and objectives in the employment relationship between bargaining unit members and administrators. However, problems of a continuing nature may exist at work site/building level which significantly impact that relationship. Solutions to these problems are vital if the quality of work life for bargaining unit members is to be enhanced and if the proficiency of the school district/educational institution is to be improved. B. The parties recognize that a cooperative approach between bargaining unit members and administrators at the work site/building level is essential to the solution of problems affecting them. Many problems at this level are not readily subject to the resolution under existing contractual programs and practices but affect the ongoing relationship between labor and management at that level. Joint participation in solving these problems at the work site/building level is an essential increment in any effort to improve the effectiveness of the district/institution's performance and to provide bargaining unit members with a measure of involvement adding dignity and worth to their work life. C. In pursuit of these objectives, the parties believe that the Association and Employer can best implement this cooperative approach through the establishment of the following: 1. Participation Teams of bargaining unit members and administrators at the work site/building level. Accordingly, it is agreed that the following program will be undertaken with respect to Participation Teams. a. Members of the bargaining unit shall establish a Participation Team at the work site/building level. A Participation Team will be b. Participation Team meetings shall be called by the co- chairpersons during normal working hours provided the bargaining unit and administration members agree. A Participation Team shall be free to discuss, consider and decide upon proposed means to improve department or work site/building performance, bargaining unit members morale and dignity, and conditions of the work site/building. Appropriate subjects, among others, which Teams might consider include: use of educational facilities, quality of the work environment, safety and environmental health, scheduling and reporting arrangements; absenteeism and overtime, energy conservation and transportation pools. Participation Teams shall have no jurisdiction over the initiation of, or the processing of complaints or grievances. The Participation Teams shall not have authority to add to, detract from, or change the terms of this Agreement. c. A Participation Team shall be free to consider a full range of responses to implement performance improvements and to make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Board regarding appropriate equipment and materials necessary to maintain a high standard of performance. 2. An employee relations committee made up of five (5) bargaining unit members appointed by the SCESP President to meet on a quarterly basis with the Superintendent regarding non-contractual matters. The