TEACHER BARGAINING IN MINNESOTA: RETROSPECT ON THE 1980s AND PROSPECTS OF FEWER BARGAINING UNITS

ROBERT D. LEY AND WILLIAM A. WINES

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DOI: 10.2190/WXGT-4T6B-7G2U-986J

Abstract

After Minnesota teachers were given the right to strike in 1980, public school districts in the state experienced thirty-five strikes in 1981. The incidence of strike activity fell sharply thereafter, and the number of strikes stayed in single digits ever since. Both depressed economic conditions and statutory changes discouraged strikes after 1981. To some degree, delays in settlements served as an alternative means of expressing discontent in the middle of the decade; but legislative changes promptly discouraged the practice. After district size reaches a very small critical mass, we do not believe that the trend toward consolidated districts will increase the relative bargaining power of teachers or encourage strikes in the future. Neither is it clear that school management and the operations of teacher locals will evolve in ways that encourage strikes. White strikes have been largely absent, increases in Minnesota teachers' earnings have been favorable relative to those of other workers in the state.

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