SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION – In General; Test for Subjects Not Specifically Enumerated

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Under EERA, an employer must bargain over a decision if: “(1) it is logically and reasonably related to hours, wages or an enumerated term and condition of employment, (2) the subject is of such concern to both management and employees that conflict is likely to occur and the mediatory influence of collective negotiations is the appropriate means of resolving the conflict, and (3) the employer’s obligation to negotiate would not significantly abridge [its] freedom to exercise those managerial prerogatives (including matters of fundamental policy) essential to the achievement of [its] mission.” While instructors’ work calendar would ideally match students’ academic calendar, in reality that is not always true. Accordingly, PERB precedent applying the three-part test distinguishes between a calendar setting employee workdays and a calendar setting student instructional days, requiring bargaining over the former but not the latter. A calendar setting instructors’ workdays during the school year must be negotiated because the term “hours” encompasses not only work schedules and workdays, but also the distribution of workdays in a year. In contrast, a calendar that only sets instructional days for students falls outside the scope of representation. The decision whether to offer certain courses beyond the state’s minimum instructional requirements is also outside the scope of representation. An employer therefore may unilaterally decide to reduce, expand, or cancel classes held outside the regular school year, subject to a duty to bargain the effects of such a decision. (pp. 3-5.)