What groups are included within the definition of the public sector?
It includes persons employed directly by governments, indirectly in health, social services, and education, and in government business enterprises.
What proportion of all unionised employees are found in the public sector?
The public sector accounts for more than half of all unionised employees.
Why was unionisation initially not permitted for public sector employees?
It was not permitted due to concerns about the essential nature of the services they provided.
What type of organisations did public-sector employees form to promote their interests before they could unionise?
They formed employee associations.
In 1967, the government enacted the _____, which gave federal government employees the right to unionise.
Public Service Staff Relations Act
What was a distinctive aspect of the Public Service Staff Relations Act of 1967?
It included a provision for a choice of contract dispute resolution mechanisms.
What is meant by the ‘dual role’ of the government as a public-sector employer?
The government acts as both an employer and as a regulator of labour relations.
How is authority typically ‘divided’ for public-sector employers?
Authority is divided between administrators who manage day-to-day operations and the elected officials who hold ultimate authority.
In public-sector labour relations, what is referred to as the ‘political bottom line’?
The political bottom line is public opinion, which can significantly influence negotiations and outcomes.
What are the primary financial constraints faced by public-sector employers?
The primary financial constraints are government debt and deficit levels.
What professional characteristics are typical of public-sector union members?
They often serve in white-collar and professional roles and typically have post-secondary degrees or diplomas.
What kind of non-monetary issues do bargaining demands from public-sector unions often focus on?
They often focus on demands that support professional development and work-life balance.
What external factor strongly affects the methods public-sector unions use to build support?
The importance of public opinion affects the methods unions employ to build support in their communities.
In the private sector, what are the final dispute resolution methods if parties cannot negotiate an agreement?
The final resolution methods are a strike by the union or a lockout by the employer.
Why are strikes or lockouts not always possible in the public sector?
They are not always possible because some services provided are essential to the public’s safety and welfare.
What are the four primary methods of contract dispute resolution in the public sector?
They are the unrestricted right-to-strike model, the no-strike model with interest arbitration, the designated or controlled strike model, and back-to-work legislation.
Which public-sector dispute resolution model relies on interest arbitration instead of work stoppages?
The no-strike model relies on interest arbitration.
Which public-sector dispute resolution model involves identifying certain employees who must continue to work during a strike?
The designated or controlled strike model.
What is a potential advantage of the unrestricted strike model regarding settlement?
It increases the likelihood of the parties reaching a voluntary settlement.
What is a significant potential disadvantage of an unrestricted public-sector strike?
It can cause a disruption of service, public dissatisfaction, and intense public pressure on the government.
What is a primary advantage of the no-strike interest arbitration model?
Essential services continue to be provided, which minimises disruption to the public.
The reduced likelihood of voluntary settlement in an interest arbitration model is due to the _____ and _____ effects.
chilling, narcotic
What is a potential disadvantage of interest arbitration concerning the final outcome?
The outcomes decided by the arbitrator may not be acceptable to one or both of the parties.
How does a ‘designated or controlled strike’ avoid a complete loss of services?
It ensures that a certain number of designated employees continue to provide essential services during the strike.
