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Ken Krause says that with preparation, teamwork and the power of unity members can reach the "summit" in their 1997 negotiations: Settlements above the cost of living.
Negotiating is like climbing a mountain. One year ago I signed up for a climbing group to scale Mt. Rainier. Just outside of Seattle, at 14,411 feet, it is one of the highest peaks in North America.
Much is required to climb a mountain; most important is preparation. You start by physically getting in shape. Climbing steps, going on long hikes carrying a 40-pound pack, running, biking, using the Step Master are all possible ways. I ran all winter, spring, and summer. I hiked carrying a full pack on my back. I climbed steps every chance I got.
What does that have to do with negotiating? A lot more than you might realize. Preparation is important in bargaining a contract. There is meeting with the team, surveying the membership, writing up the proposal, organizing the strategy for bargaining, and scheduling meeting dates and times.
A second requirement to climb Mt. Rainier was to have the proper equipment. Besides warm clothing I needed special gear like glacier glasses, head lamp, boots, crampons, ice axe, and so on. We need "equipment" for bargaining, too. We need to develop the skills to bargain under the new rules of State Statute 111.70. The February statewide referendums on bargaining goals was all about getting ready — all being on the same page.
A person doesn't climb a mountain alone — it takes a group of people and leaders all working together to go in the same direction.
We all have to be marching in step together, to check each other out, to give encouragement, all the while heading up — to the summit.
We are all striving for the same goal, the same outcome, the same summit:
We will accept no settlement for less than the cost of living rate of increase. We will accept no contract that includes provisions that cap our salaries and budget increases.
In my expedition, there were five guides and one lead guide. Our lead guide in negotiations is Bob West, WEAC's director of collective bargaining. He's climbed "the mountain" many times — many different "mountains," in fact.
• • •
Last summer my equipment checked out, my medical history was fine, and so on August 2 my group was under way to conquer Mt. Rainier.
Make a commitment. Get on board, put on the equipment, learn the techniques, learn how to climb as a team with ropes bonding you together. |
Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not good — 40 degrees, windy, and raining. (When have bargaining conditions ever been good?) After 20 minutes of climbing, it started to sleet. Time only for a quick stop to put on another layer of clothes. (Like negotiating, time to break for a caucus.)
What we needed to succeed on our climb — and what we need to succeed in negotiations — is for people to get on the team, get ready, and move at a steady pace.
The time line that has been set up for this year's coordinated statewide negotiations is something we can all handle, and it's flexible enough to tackle bad conditions. Let's start heading up the mountain.
Do you want to make it to the top? Are you willing to follow in the steps of your guide, in the steps of your bargaining team?
Bargaining is like climbing a mountain.
We have been in the green valley for a long time, and some of us have forgotten how to climb.
Settlements above the cost of living is our goal — our summit.
Make a commitment. Get on board, put on the equipment, learn the techniques, learn how to climb as a team with ropes bonding you together.
There are deep crevices ahead. There is more bad weather to come. Can you make it? I think you can. I want you on my team. WEAC needs you on its team.
Negotiating is like climbing a mountain! Let's make it to the top!
Photo by Bill Hurley
Posted March 3, 1997