Public employee, union issues, arbitration, policy and procedure, collective bargaining.

Administrators with the Tigard School District appeal a state labor board's decision that orders the district to negotiate class-size limits with the bargaining unit representing the teachers. The union complained the district committed an unfair labor practice when it refused to discuss the issue. The district argued that class-size limits were not subject to collective bargaining. The question was submitted for mediation.

The Oregon Employment Relations Board agreed with the union's position that class size significantly impacted a teacher's workload and therefore the issue was under the collective bargaining umbrella. The board ruled that the district must bargain in good faith. The district now appeals.

The union wins. The Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling of the lower jurisdiction.