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Union Labor Relations Representative

In: Business and Management

Submitted By rvallie
Words 847
Pages 4
Guest Speaker Summary Paper Assignment

Alison Hamway – Guest Speaker
Alaison Hamway is a Labor Relations Representative for the ‘Oregon Nurses Association’. Her objective today was to present ‘Labor Relations from the Union Perspective’. A Labor Relation Representative works for the Union, and assists in labor negotiations, grievance processing, dispute resolution and other labor relations activities between management, and staff. Such dealings are usually brought about, because Mr. Owner wants to make more money, and pay less - with substandard work conditions, this stresses out the employee which creates conflict. The reason for the Labor Unions back in the day especially for nurses, was because of the poor and dangerous working conditions, long hours, lack of equal pay , the need for better benefits, and patient care demands. A worker alone - has very little power - negotiating with an employer; however through the Union, with the representative like Alison, together they have the clout to realize results through bargaining and negotiating.
Labor Unions use to be extremely powerful and popular compared to today. Today labor Unions are not as prevalent due to all of the labor laws to protect the worker; however there is still a place for Unions and they are still going strong, according to Alision Hamway. The Labor Union today is still a very powerful weapon. Her job is exciting and she seems to be extremely passionate about her work - representing the ‘Oregon Nurses Association’. Alison talked about what she liked and did not like about her job, but with her background, experience and education, she knows what she is doing, and is a very powerful woman. Its ‘great’ to see a woman, in her position, representing nurses, as a Labor Relations Representative – Women have come a long way, I love seeing that!
Alison talked about two types of bargaining tools:

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