During negotiations, which sequence is the customary order of issues?

During negotiations, which sequence is the customary order of issues?

• A. Housekeeping, non-monetary, monetary
• B. Monetary, housekeeping, non-monetary
• C. Non-monetary, monetary, housekeeping
• D. Housekeeping, monetary, non-monetary

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the typical order used in bargaining to build a stable process before tackling pay. Housekeeping covers administrative and procedural matters—how meetings will run, timelines, information sharing, and other logistics. Getting these settled first creates a clear framework for negotiations and prevents procedural disputes from leaking into substantive talks. Next come non-monetary terms—working conditions, job duties, hours, leave, safety, grievance procedures, and similar issues. Clarifying these before money matters helps define the overall terms of employment, which can influence how monetary proposals are viewed and valued. It also reduces uncertainty so wage discussions aren’t tangled with unresolved administrative or condition-of-work questions. Monetary issues—wages, benefits, pensions—are then addressed. They’re typically the most contentious, so saving them for last allows the parties to first establish a solid structure and mutual understanding, which can make wage discussions more productive and focused. That’s why starting with housekeeping, then non-monetary, and finally monetary is considered the customary sequence.

The main idea here is the typical order used in bargaining to build a stable process before tackling pay. Housekeeping covers administrative and procedural matters—how meetings will run, timelines, information sharing, and other logistics. Getting these settled first creates a clear framework for negotiations and prevents procedural disputes from leaking into substantive talks.

Next come non-monetary terms—working conditions, job duties, hours, leave, safety, grievance procedures, and similar issues. Clarifying these before money matters helps define the overall terms of employment, which can influence how monetary proposals are viewed and valued. It also reduces uncertainty so wage discussions aren’t tangled with unresolved administrative or condition-of-work questions.

Monetary issues—wages, benefits, pensions—are then addressed. They’re typically the most contentious, so saving them for last allows the parties to first establish a solid structure and mutual understanding, which can make wage discussions more productive and focused.

That’s why starting with housekeeping, then non-monetary, and finally monetary is considered the customary sequence.