Mlb - Bargaining Strategy

BARGAINING STRATEGY IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Student Information

Objectives

1. Consider how past history influences subsequent negotiations.

2. Understand the unique labor issues found in Major League Baseball.

3. Identify strategy options that the union might employ in the negotiation.

4. Apply theoretical negotiation concepts to the case.

Case Summary

This case, set in December 2005, describes the issues surrounding 2006 contract negotiations between the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), a labor union, and the team owners of Major League Baseball (MLB). The case recounts the labor history of MLB and then describes the 2006 contract negotiations, mainly from the union’s perspective. The case describes unique labor issues found in MLB and discusses how past history influences subsequent negotiations.

Instructions

You will be assigned to a team for this case. Use the discussion forum designated for your team to communicate. You will submit one team written analysis. As you read the case, think about the following questions and incorporate your answers in your written analysis.

1. What is “free agency?” How did the demise of the reserve clause and the rise of free agency in the 1970s fundamentally change the nature of labor-management relations in baseball? How is this related to the issue of a salary cap? Why were these issues still important to contract negotiations at the time of this case (2005-2006)? More generally, how does the history of a bargaining relationship affect current negotiations?

2. What are the responsibilities of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)? How did the union effectively use the NLRB’s grievance procedures to its advantage in this case?

3. What “weapons” does the union have at its disposal in the 2006 contract negotiations?

4. What is the distinction between “distributive bargaining” and “integrative bargaining”? Apply concepts related to each type of...