IMPACT OF TEACHER UNION BARGAINING ON TEACHER CONTRACT SALARIES IN INDIANA

DONALD L WARNER, Purdue University

Abstract

This study of the impact of collective negotiations on teacher contract salaries was intended to answer the question for union and management: Have teacher negotiations provided a gain in the area of salaries? The methodology consisted of a random sample of 75 Indiana school corporations representing each Planning and Development Region. Two-, four-, and six-year time spans since the passage of P.L. 217 in 1974 were utilized. Backward multiple regression and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance techniques were utilized to test hypotheses. The variables utilized in the study were: expenditures for teachers' contract salary (dependent variable), bargaining history, direction of salary settlements, union membership, region of the state, state aid to the general fund, teacher turnover, proportion of males on staff, wealth of a district, and size of a district. The conclusions of this study indicate that unions on a statewide basis were not able to influence teachers' salaries. Union measures, when tested in combination, were unable to provide an effect on salaries, indicating localized occurrences. If school corporations bargained prior to the enactment of P.L. 217, a negative impact on salaries was present. Salary settlements below the state average had a negative effect on change in proportion expended for teacher contract salaries while salary settlements above the state average had a positive impact on teacher contract salaries. Union membership in a school district had no effect on salaries. The state through its funding procedures increased its control over local schools. Teacher turnover and male staff ratios had a negative impact on salaries. Only one of the 18 Planning and Development Regions had a positive effect on teacher salaries, and only the region encompassing Indianapolis and the surrounding school districts had a negative impact on teacher contract salaries.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

School administration

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