EMPLOYER REFUSAL TO BARGAIN IN GOOD FAITH; DEFENSES – Waiver by Union; Contract Waivers; Bargaining History Estoppel; Disclaimer; Supersession

Single Topic for Decision 0999S

View all topics for Decision 0999S

Full Decision Text (click on the link to view): Full Text

Absent some form of waiver, the duty to bargain continues during the term of the collective bargaining agreement; pp. 11-12. A waiver clause typically provides that there is no further duty to bargain specified negotiable subjects during the term of the agreement. The purpose of such a clause is to lend stability to the bargaining relationship by limiting the possibility of continuous negotiations; p. 12. Parties are free to seek negotiations on subjects within the scope of representation which are covered by an agreement which does not include a waiver clause; p. 12. In matters involving the fundamental employment relationship, the unique status of the Dills Act as a supersession statute mandates that great deference be given to the rights of employees and their exclusive representatives; p. 16. great deference be given to the rights of employees and their exclusive representatives; p. 16. statutory provisions relating to the employment relationship by agreeing to memorandum of understanding provisions which differ from the specified statutory provisions; p. 17. By designating specific sections of the Government Code as supersedable, the Legislature has provided clear direction of its intent to ensure that the subjects of those sections are appropriate subjects of collective bargaining within the scope of representation; p. 17.