Employee Relations in a Union Environment

Chapter 17 Why do Workers Organize? Workers organize for security and fairness, not monetary gain. Workers will “authorize” for monetary gain. MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Why do Workers Organize? Historical Perspective – Unions appeared in late 18 th century Unions flourished in early 20 th century Unions peaked in 1950s-1960s Union membership on sharp decline since MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Why do Workers Organize? The American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the largest federation of unions. Craft unions (skilled wkrs in one discipline) Industrial unions (skilled/unskilled in industry) There are independent Unions. The largest is the Teamsters. MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 18 Union Campaigns Workers organize for security and fairness, not monetary gain. Workers will “authorize” for monetary gain. Organized workers want to exploit the power of “collective bargaining.” MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Union Campaigns 1.Initial contact Salting 2.Obtaining Authorization Cards Use of propaganda 3.Holding a Hearing 3 choices – recognize, election, contest 30% rule 4.The Campaign 5.The Election MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Union Campaigns Employer can’t – Physical interference or violence Employer interference Discharge or discipline Threats of violence by organizers Union can’t – Physical interference or violence MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Union Campaigns How to Lose an NLRB Election – Being caught unaware of problems Appoint a committee to manage the campaign Focus on money and benefits Industry specific problems Delegating too much to divisions Can you restrict access by non-employees…YES!! Can you restrict solicitation…YES!! MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Collective Bargaining …the process through which representatives of the management and representatives of the union meet to negotiate a written labor agreement. Representatives are required by law to bargain in “good faith.” MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Collective Bargaining Bargaining items: Voluntary – you don’t have to bargain on these Illegal – you better NOT bargain on these Mandatory – you GOTTA bargain on these MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Collective Bargaining So…what if all this jibber jabber doesn’t work? Impasse – when the bargaining process reaches a standstill because someone isn’t willing to give in. Mediation Arbitration Strike Lockout Injunction MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources

Chapter 17 Collective Bargaining Typical contracts contain five issues: 1.Management rights 2.Union security 3.Wages and benefits 4.Seniority rights 5.Dispute resolution (grievances) MAN 3301: Management of Human Resources