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Interest-based cooperation (IBC) is a problem-solving process to be utilized by parties involved in either labor-management committees (LMCs) or interest-based bargaining (IBB).The process is used in LMCs to address workplace issues and in IBB as an alternative to the traditional adversarial approach for settling contract impasses. The purpose of IBC, like that of the traditional process, is to secure peaceful resolution of labor relations issues. However, utilizing IBC may also address and resolve relationship or other underlying issues which remain after contract negotiations have concluded.

As part of the IBC process, PERB conducts readiness assessments, overviews and training, as well as assisting the parties in implementing the IBC process.

• Readiness Assessment. A meeting facilitated by PERB trainers at which labor and management leaders discuss their needs and expectations for a non-adversarial process.
• Overview. A meeting attended by bargaining team members at which PERB trainers outline basic elements of IBC including consensus decision-making and effective meeting groundrules.
• Training. Based on labor and management's needs and expectations, as well as feedback during the overview, PERB trainers customize training to assist in implementing either the IBB or LMC process.
• Implementation. Labor and management implement the IBB or LMC process and PERB facilitators assist parties in developing specific groundrules and otherwise generally assist labor and management through facilitation efforts.

Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB)

Interest-based bargaining (IBB) is a process designed as an alternative to the traditional, adversarial process to settle contract disputes.

The Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) requires labor and management to follow the statutory impasse procedures ending in binding arbitration (or an agreed upon impasse procedure) to resolve collective bargaining impasses. As the name suggests, IBB is founded on the principle that effective contract negotiations is based on interests and interdependence, not positions. That is even though labor and management know that each can influence the other's goals, they recognize that they need each other in order to accomplish their goals. PERB serves as facilitators and trainers in the IBB process.

Labor-Management Committee (LMC)

A labor-management committee (LMC) is an alternative dispute resolution process. An LMC is designed to build better working relationships through cooperation and problem-solving using consensus decision-making. An LMC is not intended to replace either contract negotiations or a contractual grievance procedure.

The initial focus of an LMC is to develop the LMC's statement of purpose and establish the LMC's groundrules. An LMC's statement of purpose varies according to labor's and management's needs. LMCs have been established to address specific issues, for example health care costs, as well as broader issues such as how to build and maintain trust at the work place. PERB serves as facilitators and trainers in the LMC process.