CATCH-22: RELATIONS BETWEEN LABOR UNIONS AND MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY

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Authors
Dudek, Matthew
Subjects
unions
public safety
labor
labor relations
Advisors
Matei, Cristiana
Peters, Lynda A.
Date of Issue
2020-09
Date
Sep-20
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the United States, a small portion of firefighters are responsible for fire and emergency responses for a large segment of the population. Many of those firefighters are members of a labor union; in states that allow collective bargaining, the unions hold significant legal protections in regard to contract negotiations, job protection, and working conditions. The relationship between the firefighters' unions and the government entities that employ their members can bring about positive collaboration or costly, ongoing battles that negatively impact services. Those who oppose unions point to the associated costs and the considerable sway unions hold over elected officials. Union activists, however, point to the job protections and benefits that unions negotiate and the continued need for employees to have a collective voice. In places where public sector unions are allowed, labor and management must find a way to relate to each other in a manner that is fair and equitable to the union membership but that also ensures services provided to citizens are effective and efficient. This thesis concludes that collaboration and pursuit of shared interests benefit both labor and management, and acting outside of the legal frameworks of a unionized workforce is counterproductive and exacerbates the problem. Labor unrest drives costs through legal action and can reduce the level of service provided to taxpayers.
Type
Thesis
Description
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10945/66066
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
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