HB - Negotiations Legal Status

All negotiations between the Franklin School Committee and recognized employee groups are conducted subject to Massachusetts General Laws.  The legal status of negotiations is defined in part by Section 1 of that chapter, as follows:

 "In the case of school employees, the municipal employer shall be represented by the school committee or its designated representative or representatives."

Basic to all employer/employee negotiations is the concept of "bargaining in good faith."  It is the legal responsibility of both the School Committee and employee organizations to bargain in good faith as they conduct negotiations.  However, such obligation does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or make a concession.

SOURCE:  MASC - Updated 2022

LEGAL REF.:  M.G.L. 150E:1 et seq.