CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION IN A FEDERAL HOSPITAL

RALPH A. JOHNSON AND HIGDON C. ROBERTS, JR.

---

DOI: 10.2190/DH13-LGE3-3YHF-3P9F

Abstract

This study had the major objective of determining the primary factors contributing to a stable and effective system of contract administration. The criteria for evaluation were that the system: 1) serves the collective interests of management and the union; 2) protects individual rights of workers and assures industrial justice; 3) serves the general public in maintaining industrial peace and prevents overloading of courts and/or regulatory agencies. The authors interviewed a random sample of the membership, union officers, first-line supervision, and all key management personnel. The factors affecting stability and efficacy of the system were found to be: 1) clear authority within the management structure to settle grievances; 2) well-trained stewards and union officers and management personnel; 3) management acceptance of the union as having a legitimate role in the administration of the hospital; 4) the confidence of the rank-and-file members in the union and particularly local leadership; and 5) contract negotiations that are amicable and generally satisfactory to all parties.

---

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.