Tri-Offer Arbitration as a Bargaining Dispute Resolution Technique

In the past decade, a considerable amount of attention has been focused on the development of bargaining impasse resolution proceduresfor public education. This study examines the use of the novel approach to tri-offer, final offer arbitratian (FOA) as a dispute resolution device as opera tionalized in the State of Iowa. The research methodology involves an analysis of salary dispute outcomes in teacher association-school board negotiations under the Iowa statutory impasse procedure. The study summarizes the benefits, inherent limitations, and outcomes associated with the legislative or voluntary adoption of tri-offer FOA in public education bargaining.