Does Collaborative Bargaining Make a Difference in Nursing Agreements

Abstract

This paper analyzed contract language from twenty-two collective bargaining units between nurses and Michigan hospitals to determine if the use of a collaborative bargaining style led to better contract outcomes for nurses. Language on two issues articulated by nurses as important to them were examined: (1) autonomy and voice, (2) mandatory overtime. The results showed a difference between collaboratively and competitively bargained contracts in two areas. One was that interest-based contracts are less likely to specify particular solutions to certain issues such as overtime and are more likely to include language on problem solving processes. The other is that cooperatively bargained agreements are more likely to include language that flags overuse of overtime or temporary workers and a mechanism for referring the problem to a joint problem solving body.