Bill Is Negotiating for the Labor Union

Bill is negotiating for the labor union. Today, he is presenting the evidence and papers that demonstrate the average wages in the area, the cost of health care for the average worker, and a pie graph demonstrating how these costs affect the new salary request. Which phase of the negotiation process is Bill currently in?

A) clarification and justification
B) definition of ground rules
C) closure and implementation
D) preparation and planning
E) bargaining and problem solving