MEMBERSHIP SATISFACTION OF THREE TEACHER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS WITH BARGAINING AGENT PERFORMANCE IN THREE SELECTED EAST COAST COUNTIES DURING A PERIOD OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the teacher bargaining unit members of three selected lower east coast counties of Florida were satisfied with the performance of their bargaining agents. The population selected was the entire membership of the three bargaining units. A stratified random sampling of 20 percent each of senior high, junior high, and elementary personnel was used to give a proportional sample. A Likert-type survey scale consisting of forty items was constructed, validated, and distributed to the stratified random sample. 271 responses were received. The main hypothesis that the membership was satisfied with the bargaining agent performance was tested statistically by a "t" test and was not accepted. Nine areas of dissatisfaction were: salary, pay supplements, overtime, pay scale steps, increments for degrees/hours, medical plans, dental plans, number of students, and planning time. Secondary hypotheses that no significant differences existed among subgroups were generally supported, but there were exceptions, such as in sex, age, and membership status. It was concluded that the agents should strive to improve in the areas of dissatisfaction in negotiations.