Labor Relations in the Public Sector

In the last decade, public sector unions have encountered threats in the form of privatization of public services and the retrenchment of collective bargaining rights, as well as opportunities in increasing labor union popularity and activity. Retaining the structure that made the previous editions so popular, Labor Relations in the Public Sector, Sixth Edition has been completely revised to explore the most recent trends in membership figures, new legislation, court decisions, executive orders, and new politics as they influence bargaining rights. Updates include:

• Thorough examination and analysis of contemporary public sector labor relations and collective bargaining
• Careful exploration of important recent changes in the public labor relations and unionization landscape
• Complete analysis of financial and human resource outcomes of recent collective bargaining in the public sector
• Detailed investigation of collective bargaining institutions and processes in government

In keeping with prior editions, the sixth edition addresses collective bargaining and labor relations at all levels of government, with comparisons to the private and nonprofit sectors. Designed to be classroom-friendly, this text includes discussions of the most recent literature and case studies, as well as end-of-chapter assignments. Labor Relations in the Public Sector speaks to multiple audiences including academics, students, and practitioners, and practical tips and advice are offered for those engaged in collective bargaining and labor relations. It is vital reading for undergraduate and graduate students in fields including public administration, public policy, political science, and labor studies. This book is also relevant to scholars of comparative policy, politics, and labor.

Patrice M. Mareschal is a professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy and Administration, Rutgers University, USA. Her areas of research and teaching include public and nonprofit management, human resources, labor relations, and public policy with a focus on teachers, police, and other public and nonprofit sector employees. She has partnered with various organizations to conduct publicly engaged scholarship, including: FMCS, SEIU, NJ AFL-CIO, and In the Public Interest. Prior to beginning her academic career, Dr. Mareschal worked in labor employment relations with Ford Motor Company and the National Labor Relations Board.

Richard C. Kearney is a retired professor and former director of the School of Public and International Affairs, North Carolina State University, USA. He previously held teaching and administrative positions at East Carolina University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of South Carolina. He has published widely in the areas of labor relations, human resource management, and state and local government. He is a retired member of AFSCME.