PITTSBURGH, April 9, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- What happens when the Raratan School District and its teachers cannot reach final agreement on new terms for their expiring labor contract? Teachers begin a first time ever strike in hopes of obtaining quick school board action on remaining unresolved issues. Both sides clam-up, telling parents and the public almost nothing. The State appoints a mediator who orders resumption of negotiations under his guidance.
Trying Times is all about what happens when, in this fascinating book, the author takes us into the negotiation and caucus rooms, where we see and hear the parties confront, debate and ultimately resolve their disputed issues.
In between meetings the author gives us a close look at how the strike impacts the lives not only of the teachers, students and parents but also of cafeteria workers and bus drivers, maintenance and repair workers, trades people and law enforcement officers. In addition, sports and other events must be rescheduled or face cancellation.
During negotiations budget considerations, political issues and education theories are argued. Teachers become very protective of their role in regard to what's best for the children entrusted to their care. School Board members and administrators express their own beliefs about the whys and wherefores of education, so it is not surprising that these differing goals and techniques are in conflict The secret for success in resolving such conflicts is an open mind and willingness to cooperate rather than dominate.
In this fascinating, insightful book, sprinkled with moments of wisdom and rich humor, cooperation ultimately prevails; the strike ends, school re-opens, community life returns to normal.
About the Author
Author Jim Harty is a born and raised "Philadelphia lawyer". His formal education includes a B.A. from La Salle University; an M.B.A. from the Wharton School, an L.L.B. from the Law School, University of Pennsylvania. In 1961, he began his career in Pittsburgh as a labor lawyer at Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay, one of America's oldest and largest law firms. He is an elected member of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and a long time listed attorney in Best Lawyers in America. His career has spanned almost half a century.
Trying Times * by James Q. Harty
How A Teacher Strike Began and Ended
Publication Date: January 18, 2007
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