LABOR RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC EMPLOYEES 745

"The question of labor relations with public employees has be-
come a critical governmental problem throughout the country, and
the relationship of government with employee organizations is grow-
ing even more complex, " Governor Agnew said.

"A clearly defined State policy is needed to handle the disputes,
and avoid the crippling work stoppages and all-out strikes that we
have witnessed. "

He asked the task force to examine eight basic considerations out-
lined in a report by the National Governors' Conference:

1. The feasibility of authorizing collective bargaining with the
public sector either through administrative policy or legislation.

2. The role and recognition of one or several public employee
representative organizations, and the alternatives to the principle of
exclusive recognition.

3. The relationship and applicability of any State collective bar-
gaining legislation to local governments.

4. The development of an appropriate administrative unit to focus
exclusively on public employer-employee relations.

5. The possible impact of legalized collective bargaining upon the
budget and the fiscal condition of government.

6. The relationship between the merit system and any possible col-
lective bargaining arrangements.

7. The scope and limits of governmental collective bargaining that
should be prescribed by law.

8. Procedures by which bargaining disputes may be settled with-
out interruption to public service.

"There is no reason to believe that the public sector cannot devise
new approaches in this area, and I have confidence that this Task
Force is well qualified to adapt successful private labor relations
techniques to the more sensitive needs of public service, " Governor
Agnew said.

"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to obtain the
services of Mr. Aronin, who has an excellent background in labor-
management relations, to serve as chairman. "

Other members will be:

Herbert H. Hubbard, attorney for the Maryland Classified Em-
ployees Association.