...Hennessy 1 Practice 2.1.8: Business and Labour 1. You need to analyze the relationship between business and labor. Write a question that your essay will answer. You can use one of the ideas on page 2, or you can come up with your own. The relationship between business and labor is a partnership in the enterprise of making money. What is fair when it comes to work? Labor relations are generally defined as relations between management and workers. They are also called business relations. Workers or group of workers are represented by trade unions. Labor relations may take place on different levels such as regional, national, international. The main challenge for such relation is ability to adapt to emerging changes. The world and technology develops very fast, so do relations between workers and management. Trade unions (also called) labor unions are organizations of workers who united to defend their rights, solving problems in the industry such as wages, working hours, bonuses, Union represented workers and negotiate with the management on behalf of the workers. Such relations are usually accompanied by tensions and conflicts and company owners usually want to earn more and pay less. Workers are willing to work in better conditions for a better salary. Labor unionism in the United States is an expression of the American democratic spirit working itself out in industry is hardly to be doubted. Its beginnings coincided with the period when the free colonies were ...
Words: 1105 - Pages: 5
...regards of labor strike in different countries in Asia Pacific region including that of South Korea, China, India , and one from the western country, United States. The relation of the topic and the literature will further be explained in the later part of this research journal, analysis, solution, and recommendation will be stated in each article and combined together in conclusion. Literature Review Labour dispute can be related to theories of comparative industrial relation such as the impact on international labour standards, development and changes in unionism, collective and individual bargaining, and worker empowerment and conflict management. Impact on International Labour Standards (ILO), development and changes in unionism In order for collective bargaining to be successful, there are several conditions that needs to be fulfilled, there must be a freedom for both workers and employee to form their own associations to represent their interests, and stability of union must be maintained in order for collective bargaining to be effective, and for union to be able to honor the agreement. Thirdly, employer must recognize the presence of union, after recognition of union; collective bargaining then can be made (Anita Chan, 2002; David M. Trubek, 1997). Worker Empowerment and Conflict Management There are three union models according to Hyman 2001, market oriented unions where economic actors are in pursue of economic goals, class-oriented unions...
Words: 2177 - Pages: 9
...For Labor Unions, where were they, Where are they, and where do they need to go to remain Or regain an active and viable organization in the 21st century? This paper will discuss the labor union and the issues that it affect them as relates to the United States workforce. It will also talk about the creation of the Labor Union and about the process of the Labor Union. It will also address the current work situation in America and how it affect the Labor Unions. There are changes that the Labor Union are needed to maintain the support from their member, community and employers. The Labor Union also need to make change on their communication strategy to grown. The Labor Union, up to this point have been able to continue in business mainly because of the baby boomers since most of the started participation union because the way employment was back then. The new generation might not participate as much in Labor Union as the Baby Boomer generation did, because either they are not aware of the union and how to joined them. This should be a cause of concern for the Labor Union as much of they are retiring. Other thing that we should consider is are Labor Union in our main interest and should we care if the survive. We need to consider if America is better off without them. A Labor Union was started with a group of worker working...
Words: 2049 - Pages: 9
...LABOR PROBLEM I. INTRODUCTION 1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 2 IMPORTANCE OF THE PROBLEM 2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY 3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 3 II. STUDY OF RELATED LITERATURE 4 III. METHODOLOGY 7 IV. PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 9 V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 28 VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY 30 I. INTRODUCTION Presently, our country is facing the worst economic problem since it gained independence. The past three years saw the problem of unemployment brought about the chaotic and uncertain industrial conditions in the country. Almost majority of establishment suffered because of the massive strikes mounted by the workers in almost all fields of endeavor. Now more than ever, the strength of the workers is felt because they are now organized. Workers join labor unions because they have grievances may concern wages, sick and vacation leaves, overtime payment, security of tenure and other terms and conditions of employment. All industries are affected by labor unrest, and the garment industry is among business establishments whose workers have mounting grievances and protests. Most garment factories either closed their shop or gave in to the demand of their workers. Statement of the Problem Specifically, this research aims at finding the labor problems in a small establishment. It aims at finding the answer to the following questions: ...
Words: 3675 - Pages: 15
...were terrible. The jobs were dangerous, low paying, and the hours lasted far too long. Labor unions such as the American Federation of Labor and the Knights of Labor started the call for better working conditions. Although the labor unions were able to improve some of the aspects of working life, such as hours, wages, and safety, their success was hindered by the interference of the government, who sided with the big businesses....
Words: 849 - Pages: 4
...RLAT Task 4 Labor Unions Historically, labor unions were created to protect the American worker from business management. Throughout the years, many laws have been enacted to protect the American worker and businesses. With the decline in our labor force and shrinking wages and benefits, do they continue to be relevant today? The story of American labor is dramatically relevant to today’s society. There are very little issues that is or has not been influenced by the labor’s organized efforts or lack of them. (Cahn, 1972) Labor organization in the mid-nineteenthy century was not new to America, and it was inevitable due to the working people being confronted by common problems causing them to unite their protection efforts. There was mutual aid or societies for masters, journeymen, and apprentices. They were usually founded to provide insurance against accidents and sickness. In 1801, an early labor organization announced the purpose of said insurance, and they were called the Society of Mechanics. Society or association was used in place of the word union representing a local organization of journeymen within a single trade. In the 1830’s the term trade union came in use, then later national and international which meant representing members in more than one country. Terms such as trade assemblies and central labor unions came in the 1860’s. The first permanent labor organization was founded when journeymen shoemakers of Philadelphia joined forces...
Words: 2917 - Pages: 12
...The Aspects of Labor Unions in America Zella K. Olvera MGT/431 June 14, 2012 Becky A. Shokraii MA, SPHR The aspects of labor unions in America The paper will explore how labor unions have changed the working environment in the United States. The paper will theorize if labor unions are essential and necessary in 2012 as a valuable asset to the American employee, or if labor unions have out lived usefulness. There was a time in America history labor unions were essential to protect American employees from unfair business practices. Labor unions had an enormous hand in implementing several local, state, and federal labor laws that changed working relations in unions and nonunion organizations. * Define unions and labor relations and their effect on organizations. * A union is composed of hard workingmen and women acting collectively to have his or her voice heard at work. By joining together as one cohesive entity the employees gain strength in numbers to address what the group cares most about. Unions may negotiate new contracts with the employers through collective bargaining for better working conditions, increased wages, retirement benefits, fair, and safe working conditions...
Words: 1400 - Pages: 6
...Abstract The goal of unions is to band together and protect employee rights. The paper begins with an introduction as to the purpose of the labor union. The question is also posed if labor unions are a necessity in today’s society. The paper begins with an interesting look at the history of labor unions. The paper explores how the Industrial Revolution and Haymaker Riot were instrumental in the formation of labor unions. The history of the two largest labor unions is explored. Next some basic information is given on labor unions such as who can join and the benefits associated with joining a labor union. The paper then shifts to look at legislation that governs the formation and policies in a labor union. More specifically, the National Labor Relations Act, National Labor Relations Board, Taft-Hartley Act, and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 are explored in detail. The paper will then examine the most common ways an HR employee will interact with the union. This is discussed through grievances and collective bargaining agreement. The process for both of these is examined in detail including which parts of the collective bargaining agreement are mandatory and permissive issues. Next, the paper explores the process a HR manager would go through in order to keep a healthy, happy, and productive relationship with the union. Finally the paper reexamines whether labor unions are necessary in today’s society. A conclusion is drawn based...
Words: 4404 - Pages: 18
... Unionization 2 The labor movement’s status has always been precarious due to America’s love-hate attitude toward organized labor. With the right-to-work laws coming to many states, it will be even more precarious than before. Right-to-work laws allow people to work at a unionized business without joining the union. Today, like a century ago, some citizen passionately believe that unions are crucial bulwarks of freedom, while others feel just as strongly that they are at best outdated and at worst an obstacle to progress. Labor is not merely a commodity, but a special part of the human experience; workers deserve a say in the working conditions of their labor; the right of workers to organize in their own self-interest is a basic human right. During the 1950’s the American economics professor Clark Kerr(2010) observed that “organized labor and management are primarily engaged in sharing between themselves what is, at any one moment of time, a largely given amount of income and power.” Kerr’s words point to the crux of labor history; this is a power game, who will rule the workplace? Some employers have taken the position that managers, as representatives of business owners, should have all the power. The rule of the workplace it that management dictates and workers obey. In today’s workplace there is no right to employment security and no prohibition against unjust dismissal...
Words: 1919 - Pages: 8
...orLabor Unions: Aging Dinosaur or Sleeping Giant? The Labor Movement and Unionism Background and Brief History Higher wages! Shorter workdays! Better working conditions! These famous words echoed throughout the United States beginning in 1790 with the skilled craftsmen (Dessler, 1997, p. 544). For the last two-hundred years, workers of all trades have been fighting for their rights and seeking methods of improving their living standards, working conditions, and job security (Boone, 1996,p.287). As time went by, these individuals came to the conclusion that if they work together collectively, they would grow stronger to get responses to their demands. This inspired into what we know today as labor unions. A labor union is an organized group of workers whose purpose is to increase wages and influence other job conditions for its members (Parkin, 1998,p.344). These labor unions can be divided into two types: craft unions and industrial unions (World, 1998). A craft union is a union whose membership is restricted to workers who possess an identifiable skill (Robinson, 1985,p. 69). These members tend to be better educated and trained, and more unified because of common interests (World, 1998). An example of a craft union is the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (World, 1998). On the other hand, an industrialized union is a group of workers who have a variety of skills and job types but work for the same industry (Parkin, 1998, p. 344). Unions of this type include...
Words: 10568 - Pages: 43
...15 Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining 1) About ________% of people working in the United States belong to unions. A) 5 B) 12 C) 20 D) 45 E) 62 Answer: B Explanation: Just over 17.7 million U.S. workers belong to unions—around 12.4% of the total number of men and women working in this country. Diff: 1 Page Ref: 544 Chapter: 15 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 2) One of the earliest unions in the United States, the Knights of Labor, was formed by a group of ________. A) coal miners B) tailors C) carpenters D) railroad workers E) printers Answer: B Explanation: In 1869, a group of tailors met and formed the Knights of Labor. The Knights were interested in political reform. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 544 Chapter: 15 Objective: 1 Skill: Application 3) Who was responsible for forming the American Federation of Labor in 1886? A) Samuel Gompers B) Benjamin Franklin C) Frederick Taylor D) George Meany E) Alexander Hamilton Answer: A Explanation: In 1886, Samuel Gompers formed the American Federation of Labor (AFL). It consisted mostly of skilled workers and, unlike the Knights, focused on practical, bread-and-butter gains for its members. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 544 Chapter: 15 Objective: 1 Skill: Application 4) Which of the following was the primary goal of the American Federation of Labor? A) achieving political reform B) gaining a higher social status C) addressing immigrant labor D) improving work conditions E) creating labor legislation ...
Words: 11734 - Pages: 47
...Nicole Kalgren Mrs. Candler Labor management (20919) Fall semester 2013 Norma Rae . Norma Rae Norma Rae is based on life story of Crystal Sutton and her connection with Ruben Warshovsky and the organization of the textile workers at the J.P. Stevens Company in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina (Labor Films). The movie was a realistic depiction of the sad, immoral, and domineering working conditions that existed in the looming life of mass production workers, and one woman’s struggle to overcome and progress the labor relation problems at a textile mill during the 1970's. The textile workers were unsatisfied with many aspects of their capitalistic working environment. They fought to form a union so that they could change the unwelcome characteristics to better meet their needs. Political, environmental, and cultural processes all played a part in the workers struggle to form an effective union. Norma Rae, a loom operator in the weaving room is an outspoken individual and is very out spoken about her poor working conditions such as excessive noise, long hours with short breaks, physical stress from standing for long periods and abnormally high temperatures in the work areas. Added to all this is managements apathy for the working conditions, as seen when her mother looses her hearing temporarily with little or no sentiment from the company doctor, who knows this is a common problem for the workers. With this setting, the film progresses through most of the stages for...
Words: 2262 - Pages: 10
...5-4: In general what is a union “local”. What are the role and functions of union locals? How are they structured and governed? A local union can either be independent or it can be affiliated with and subject to the authority of a provincial, national, or international (US based) parent union. The local level is the union, while in the latter, it serves as the basic unit of the union. Union locals are typically established on the basis of geographical proximity. Locals typically represent eligible workers at a single location, though in the case of so-called amalgamated locals where two locals have joined together, they may represent workers at a number of locations within a geographical area. (Public sector locals can cover all employees in a municipal region or even a province) Role of union locals: 1. contract administration: it is generally the local that represents workers on a day-to-day basis and it is at the local level that most union members have the greatest opportunity for participation in union affairs. 2. Negotiation: members have the right to take part in local meetings and to vote on local level issues. Local unions represent their members in collective bargaining either through the actual conduct of negotiations or through some form of representation on the union bargaining committee. 3. Consultation with management: 4. Worker compensation: worker comp claims 5. local politics ( primary day-to-day role of the local unions is ensuring that the...
Words: 2947 - Pages: 12
...| LABOR RELATIONSBYGERALD HODGESLABOR RELATIONS FALB10 Sec ADEVRY UNIVERSITY14 JAN 20111. From the beginning labor relations has an issue for the United States. Labor Relations is the area that organizations have to deal with between employees and management. Union leaders can use to minimize conflicts between employers and employees (such as strikes) and seek agreements. Unions are organizations formed for the purpose of representing their members' such as employees to deal with their issues. In this paper, I will identify how unions and labor relations impact organizations. I have interview Clinton Harris a labor officer for his organization from Computer company in Virginia. He is in the Nation guard and is currently deployed here with me in Afghanistan. The typical functions of Clinton Harris the labor officer are to manage labor relations program of organization. He analyzes collective bargaining agreement to make sure both sides are fair in terms wages, hours of work, work environment, and health care by contracts. | Clinton Harris advice management about labor relation laws and also interpretation of labor relations policies and practices within the organization. He prepares reports, using records of actions taken concerning grievances, and identifies problem areas. He also monitors implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions, to ensure compliance with terms of labor contract. Clint has to research information about additional...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...Labor Laws and Unions HRM/531 September 13, 2011 Professor Michael Weinsenberg, MBA. Labor Laws and Unions At a general level, the purpose of a union is to improve financial and other conditions of employment. Unions have flourished over the years in accomplishing these goals. More recently, they have experienced many challenges leading to membership losses. Currently unions are trying to reverse decline by placing workers in various industries such as casinos, museums, services. Several of positions include white-collar workers, physicians, nuclear engineers’ psychologists, and immigration judges (Cascio, p., 537, 2010). In 1943, TWU organized employees of the former Philadelphia Transit company. Local 234 won their first major victory for TWU outside of New York City. The local union was formed during the time of racial strife and the TWU stood by its record and strong dedication to racial equality to represent African American trolley operators. However, TWU local 234 represents more than 5,000 workers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation (SEPTA). Upper Darby Municipal and Eden’s Paratranist employees are included. Local 234 established a name for themselves by getting the job done at contact time. Therefore, the members show pride for the indispensable service they provide to their communities (www.twu234.org). One union that has proven its presence in the City of Philadelphia as well as nationwide branch is the Transport Worker Union...
Words: 1557 - Pages: 7
