When county or city employees are represented by a union, the agency must negotiate with that union regarding their pay and benefits, working hours, and working conditions.

Although the face-to-face negotiations will be done by agency staff, elected officials have an important role in negotiations: determining the agency’s bargaining position and consulting with staff throughout the negotiation process.  To do that, it can be helpful for elected officials and the public to understand the basics of the bargaining process.

The document at right is an effort to help with that understanding.

The Institute is grateful to Dr. Rhonda Albey for preparing this piece.  Dr. Albey has worked in labor relations for Los Angeles County since 1990.  The Institute welcomes comments and feedback on this resource.