The Duty of Fair Representation: A Guide for Ohio Labor Unions

The Duty of Fair Representation: A Guide for Ohio Labor Unions

As a labor union in Ohio, one of your core responsibilities is to fairly represent all members of the bargaining unit, regardless of their union membership status or personal relationships with union leadership. This obligation, known as the duty of fair representation, is a legal principle established through state and federal case law as well as statutes that applies to all union activities, including collective bargaining, grievance processing, and contract enforcement.

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Interest-Based Bargaining: A Modern Approach to Labor Negotiations

Interest-Based Bargaining: A Modern Approach to Labor Negotiations

Traditional collective bargaining often creates an atmosphere of conflict, where opposing sides stake out positions and gradually wear each other down through tactical maneuvers. While this conventional approach has achieved results over many decades, labor professionals are increasingly exploring interest-based bargaining (IBB), also known as collaborative bargaining, as an alternative. This cooperative approach emphasizes joint problem-solving and mutual understanding rather than positional conflict.

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Understanding Just Cause: Protecting Workers' Rights in Labor Arbitration

Understanding Just Cause: Protecting Workers' Rights in Labor Arbitration

When your employer imposes discipline or termination, "just cause" is your first line of defense. This fundamental protection, found in most union contracts, requires employers to prove they had legitimate reasons for disciplinary action and followed fair procedures.

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Contract Interpretation in Labor Arbitration: A Guide for Union Advocates

Contract Interpretation in Labor Arbitration: A Guide for Union Advocates

Successfully advocating for union members in contract interpretation disputes requires understanding how arbitrators analyze contractual language. Here's a practical guide focused on key interpretive principles and effective advocacy strategies.

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Past Practice in Labor Arbitration: A Guide for Understanding This Essential Doctrine

Past Practice in Labor Arbitration: A Guide for Understanding This Essential Doctrine

Labor arbitrators have long recognized that the relationship between unions and employers extends beyond the written words of their collective bargaining agreements. One of the most important unwritten elements is past practice - the established patterns of workplace conduct that can become as binding as the contract itself. Let's explore how this doctrine works in practice.

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Navigating Ohio Public Sector Fact-Finding: A Labor Perspective

Navigating Ohio Public Sector Fact-Finding: A Labor Perspective

Successful fact-finding representation can make the critical difference in achieving fair contracts for public sector workers. Understanding the key elements of this process helps labor organizations effectively advocate for their members' interests.

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Garrity and Kalkines Rights: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Union Members

Garrity and Kalkines Rights: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Union Members

Garrity and Kalkines rights are essential protections for public sector employees during workplace investigations. These constitutional safeguards allow public employees to maintain their rights against self-incrimination while still cooperating with employer investigations. It is crucial for both union representatives and members to understand these rights when navigating administrative investigations.

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Understanding Loudermill Rights: Essential Protections for Public Sector Employees

Understanding Loudermill Rights: Essential Protections for Public Sector Employees

Loudermill rights are vital due process protections for public sector employees facing disciplinary actions that may lead to a loss of pay. These constitutional rights guarantee that public employees receive notice and an opportunity to respond before their property interest in employment and wages is compromised. Typical situations that trigger these rights include termination, demotion to a lower-paying position, or suspension without pay. These rights are rooted in the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

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Understanding Weingarten Rights in Ohio

Understanding Weingarten Rights in Ohio

Weingarten Rights are a fundamental protection for union employees, ensuring their right to union representation during investigatory interviews that could result in disciplinary action. Established by the Supreme Court in 1975, these rights safeguard due process and fairness in workplace investigations.

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Overview of Your Rights as a Public Sector Employee in Ohio

Overview of Your Rights as a Public Sector Employee in Ohio

As a public sector employee in Ohio, you have specific rights that protects you during workplace investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Understanding these rights is crucial vital for maintaining ensuring workplace fairness and protecting your interests. Below, we explore examine four essential sets of rights that every public sector employee should know.

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Understanding Ohio SERB Unfair Labor Practice Charges

Understanding Ohio SERB Unfair Labor Practice Charges

An unfair labor practice charge is a formal complaint filed with the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) when a public employer or employee organization violates the rights protected under Ohio's Public Employees' Collective Bargaining Act. This law, found in Chapter 4117 of the Ohio Revised Code, establishes and protects the fundamental rights of Ohio's public employees to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in other protected activities without interference or discrimination.

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Understanding the SERB Conciliation Process in Ohio

Understanding the SERB Conciliation Process in Ohio

The conciliation process is the final step in resolving collective bargaining disputes for Ohio's safety forces and other essential public employees who cannot strike. As outlined by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB), this process provides a binding resolution mechanism through final offer issue-by-issue arbitration under O.R.C. Section 4117.14(G).

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