Suggested Ground Rules on Collective Negotiation Between the Management and the Employee Association/Union Negotiating Panel

Composition of the Negotiating Panels. Each panel shall be composed of five (5) alternatives. The names of the members of both parties shall be made known at least five (5) days before the actual negotiations.

Authority to Negotiate. The principal of both parties shall give their respective negotiating panels the written authority to negotiate and bind such principals to the matters agreed upon.

Quorum. The presence of at least four (4) members from each panel shall be sufficient to hold negotiation meetings.

Relief from regular duties and responsibilities. The members of the (name of Employee Association/Union) Negotiating panel, including the members of its Secretariat, shall be on official business throughout the duration of the negotiations and they shall be relieved of all their regular duties and responsibilities.

Time Limits and Schedule of Meetings. The parties to the CNA shall finish the negotiation not later than the end of ____________. Negotiation meetings shall commence not later than five (5) days from the submission by both parties of their respective proposals. Meetings shall be held at least three (3) times a week, morning and afternoon, which may extend in the evening, if necessary. The parties may agree to hold meetings on a daily basis until the termination of the agreement.

Postponement and Delays. No postponements of scheduled meetings shall be allowed except on mutual agreement by both negotiating panels. In no case shall consecutive meetings be postponed at the instance or request of only one panel. No delays shall be allowed on the ground that a party needs time to research or consult /secure an opinion from an outside source/agency.

Venue. The negotiation meetings shall be held in a neutral place convenient to both parties (The parties may identify the specific venue).

Expenses. Each party shall bear its own cost for the preparation of its written proposals and for other pre-negotiation expenses. Expenses for the venue, board and lodging and travel as well as food during the negotiation proper shall be shouldered by the agency.

Access to Financial and Other Records of the Agency. The management shall provide the (name of Employee Association/Union) with pertinent audited and verified financial statements of the agency and other related documents.

Proceedings. A Secretariat shall be formed to record the proceedings of the negotiations. The members of the Secretariat shall be responsible for the preparation of the minutes of meetings. Minutes of the meetings shall be approved and duly signed by both parties.

Sequence of Issues for Negotiation. The parties shall first discuss and negotiate the employee’s political rights and other non-economic demands. Nothing shall stop the parties from changing the sequences of issues or from suspending the discussion of a particular issue to give way to another.

Observers. Other CSC officials and employees who wish to observe the proceedings of the actual negotiation shall be allowed to do so, provided that there will be no disruption of office work.