Bargaining Cycles And Work-Related Attitudes: Evidence For Threat-Rigidity Effects

Abstract

In this study, we proposed that union members would be more similar in their attitudes toward bargaining-related outcomes during contract negotiation years than union members at other stages of the bargaining cycle. Teachers surveyed during the year of their school districts' contract negotiations were more homogeneous in attitudes toward pay, benefits, and school administration than teachers surveyed one year before or after bargaining. Implications for management and union officials interested in the labor-management negotiations process are discussed and directions for future investigation of the underlying processes are proposed.