Understanding Collective Bargaining
Who can bargain?
In Idaho, educators and firefighters are allowed to collectively bargain; for educators, that ability has been law since 1971. To bargain, a union must represent a 50 percent of professional employees within a district, plus one. Idaho code defines professional employees as “any certificated employee of a school district, including charter districts; provided however, that administrative personnel including superintendents, supervisors or principals are excluded from the professional employee group for the purposes of negotiations."
Who can start the process?
Either the union or the district may initiate talks.
Can non-union members bargain?
Non-union members cannot negotiate at the bargaining table, although they reap the rewards of negotiations for better pay and benefits. They may, however, attend negotiations in person, which is an important and impressive way to communicate support for the union’s work. Of course, the most effective way to initiate change is to get involved with your IEA local.
What happens if my district doesn't take bargaining seriously?
Idaho code makes it clear that both the district and the union must bargain in good faith. Your district may be arguing in bad faith if it does not disclose financial information, skips meetings, or circumvents the bargaining team. Your region director can help you take appropriate steps if your district is not bargaining in good faith.
I work for a charter school. Can I still bargain?
In Idaho, public charter schools must adhere to the same negotiating laws as traditional public schools. To negotiate, 50 percent, plus one, of the educators in your school must be IEA members.
What happens if negotiations fail?
If negotiations come to an impasse, Idaho code makes provisions for professional mediation. This is currently the only impasse resolution codified into law. Either party may request mediation; if mediation fails, your union may choose to go on strike. However, educator strikes in Idaho are rare occurrences; every year, school districts and IEA representatives around the state shake hands over a deal.
