Common use of Negotiation Ground Rules Clause in Contracts

Negotiation Ground Rules. A) Treat each other with courtesy and respect, focusing on the issues and not the person. B) It is ok to disagree and to vent – however, such should be directed to issues and not people. C) Meetings shall start and end on time. If a delayed start is necessary, timely notice should be made to the extent possible. Meetings may be extended or postponed by mutual consent. In addressing meetings, time and location issues the parties must be cognizant of the open meeting and posting/notice requirements. D) Each team shall consist of two (2) or three (3) members, with an alternate that may be assigned. A complete list of negotiators and alternates will be exchanged prior to the first negotiating session. Two members of each team are necessary for a quorum. Negotiating teams will not exceed five members at any one time. In the event a vacancy occurs, the Board and Association have the right to replace members of the negotiating team. E) Each team has a spokesperson (lead negotiator). The spokesperson may call on his/her other team members. All comments will be listened to and each participant shall have an equal voice in the process. All cell phones shall be on silent absent disclosure and agreement of the parties. F) Meetings, whenever possible, shall be agenda driven. The agenda for each successive meeting shall be established before the conclusion of each scheduled session. Each team may identify at least one agenda item for each session. G) Each team shall make all best efforts to explain, clarify and answer questions relating to the matter of discussion. Further, each team will make all best efforts to provide accurate information in a timely manner as such is requested. H) Requests for side bars will be allowed by mutual agreement as to topic and team members involved, if any, to facilitate the discussion at the table during negotiations. I) Respect each team’s request to caucus. J) Minutes for Negotiations shall be kept by a designee agreed upon by both parties. The parties shall make all efforts to notify of errors contained in the Negotiations minutes. Signatures on the official minutes do not represent agreement but indicate official minutes have been received and reviewed. If a team is not in agreement with the official Negotiations minutes, they may submit a rebuttal set of minutes, which will be appended to the Negotiations meeting minutes. Rebuttal minutes must be submitted no later than the start of the negotiation session immediately following the signatures on official minutes. The rebuttal minutes are also subject to a rebuttal by the other side. The minutes of the Negotiation meetings will be subject to public records requests as will all submitted rebuttals. K) Teams may opt to record the proceedings but agree to inform the other team of such intent prior to the start of the recording. Recording will then be made available to the other team. L) Tentative agreements shall be in writing, initialed by both chief negotiators, dated, and included in the meeting minutes for the meeting during which the tentative agreement was reached. There is no ratification of tentative agreements until total agreement is reached by both teams. M) Negotiations between the parties will be in open session. Ratification shall be pursuant to Idaho Code. N) It is understood that each duly appointed team is empowered to draft language, negotiate, and reach tentative agreement on the issues.

Negotiation Ground Rules. A) Treat each other with courtesy and respect, focusing on the issues and not the person. B) It is ok to disagree and to vent – however, such should be directed to issues and not people. C) Meetings shall start and end on time. If a delayed start is necessary, timely notice should be made to the extent possible. Meetings may be extended or postponed by mutual consent. In addressing meetings, time and location issues the parties must be cognizant of the open meeting and posting/notice requirements. D) Each team shall consist of two (2) or three (3) members, with an alternate that may be assigned. A complete list of negotiators and alternates will be exchanged prior to the first negotiating session. Two members of each team are necessary for a quorum. Negotiating teams will not exceed five members at any one time. In the event a vacancy occurs, the Board and Association have the right to replace members of the negotiating team. E) Each team has a spokesperson (lead negotiator). The spokesperson may call on his/her other team members. All comments will be listened to and each participant shall have an equal voice in the process. All cell phones shall be on silent absent disclosure and silent, absent, or disclosed with agreement of the parties. F) Meetings, whenever possible, shall be agenda driven. The agenda for each successive meeting shall be established before the conclusion of each scheduled session. Each team may identify at least one agenda item for each session. G) Each team shall make all best efforts to explain, clarify and answer questions relating to the matter of discussion. Further, each team will make all best efforts to provide accurate information in a timely manner as such is requested. H) Requests for side bars will be allowed by mutual agreement as to topic and team members involved, if any, to facilitate the discussion at the table during negotiations. I) Respect each team’s request to caucus. J) Minutes for Negotiations shall be kept by a designee agreed upon by both parties. The parties shall make all efforts to notify of errors contained in the Negotiations minutes. Signatures on the official minutes do not represent agreement but indicate official minutes have been received and reviewed. If a team is not in agreement with the official Negotiations minutes, they may submit a rebuttal set of minutes, which will be appended to the Negotiations meeting minutes. Rebuttal minutes must be submitted no later than the start of the negotiation session immediately following the signatures on official minutes. The rebuttal minutes are also subject to a rebuttal by the other side. The minutes of the Negotiation meetings will be subject to public records requests as will all submitted rebuttals. K) Teams may opt to record the proceedings but agree to inform the other team of such intent prior to the start of the recording. Recording will then be made available to the other team. L) Tentative agreements shall be in writing, initialed by both chief negotiators, dated, and included in the meeting minutes for the meeting during which the tentative agreement was reached. There is no ratification of tentative agreements until total agreement is reached by both teams. M) Negotiations between the parties will be in open session. Ratification shall be pursuant to Idaho Code. N) It is understood that each duly appointed team is empowered to draft language, negotiate, and reach tentative agreement on the issues.