Chapter 10: Understanding Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining

Question 1

Define unfair labor practices

Answer 1

Specific employer and union illegal practices that operate to deny employees their rights and benefits under labour law

Question 2

Explain what collective agreement means

Answer 2

• the conclusion of negotiations

- legal, binding, written document

Question 3

Define grievance

Answer 3

Complaint by employee (or employer) that some aspect of collective agreement has been violated

Question 4

What are employer obligations and tactics

Answer 4

• Cannot interfere with certification process
• Prohibited from dismissing, disciplining, or threatening employees for exercising their right to form union
• Cannot promise better conditions
• Cannot change conditions
• Must bargain in good faith

Question 5

What are union obligations and tactics

Answer 5

• Cannot interfere with operation of employer
• Cannot coerce or intimidate
• Must provide fair representation to all
members of bargaining unit
• Cannot engage in illegal activities

Question 6

Impact of unionization on managers

Answer 6

• Greater involvement in management decisions
• Restrictions on behaviours and actions
• Formalized challenges to decisions
(grievances)

Question 7

What is the rights arbitration

Answer 7

• Functions to provide solution to grievance if parties unable to resolve
• Performed by neutral third party
• Both parties obligated to abide by
decision

Question 8

What are the collective bargaining processes

Answer 8

1. preparation for negotiation
   
   • gather data
   • form bargaining teams
2. develop strategies
   
   • develop management proposals and limits of concession
   • consider opponents’ goals
   • make strike plans
3. conduct negotiations
   
   • bargain in good faith
   • analyze proposals
   • resolve proposals
   • stay within bargaining zone
4. formalize agreement
   
   • clarify contract language
     
     • ratify agreement

Question 9

What are the seasons employees unionize

Answer 9

1. economic needs
2. dissatisfaction with management
3. a desire to fulfill social and status needs