You are going to assume the role as chief negotiator on the bargaining team for an employer whose collective bargaining agreement is about to expire. The union has provided a list of issues they are wanting to negotiate on. Your assignment is to:

1. Read the Collective Bargaining Agreement provided with this assignment.
2. Develop 5 proposals to the union for modifications or additions to the contract. For example, propose what the new language in the contract will be that incorporates your proposed changes and outline what the impacts might be (financial, morale of employees, clarity in the process, etc.) Indicate which article of the agreement they would apply to and why you feel they need to be changed.
3. You have received the following proposals from the union. Prepare your response (counterproposals) to these proposals. Consider—will you accept them as is, deny them or modify them? Provide a rationale as to why you either accepted, denied or modified in your counter proposal. You may accept no more than 1 of their proposals, and must modify two as part of your strategy.

Their proposals are:

1. Probationary employees shall have the right to appeal disciplinary issues. (Article 14)
2. The parties agree that the departments will complete the performance evaluation process and submit the appropriate documentation to Human Resources within 30 days of the due date. (Article 16)
3. An Employee does not need to obtain approval prior to the Employee accepting outside employment. (Article 23)
4. On-Call status shall require additional compensation in the equivalent of three hours pay for each day in on-call status. (Article 26)
5. The union would like to see President’s Day added as a paid holiday. (Article 32)