... 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believe that unions are crucial bulwarks of freedom, while others feel just as strongly that they are at best outdated and at worst an obstacle to progress.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 in the private...
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...Chapter 01 Contemporary Labor Relations: Objectives, Practices, and Challenges Answer Key True / False Questions 1. (p. 4) Fundamentally, a labor union is a group of workers who join together to influence the nature of their employment. TRUE Difficulty: Easy 2. (p. 4) The widening gap between the richest and poorest individuals in the U.S. is in part due to the weakened position of labor unions. TRUE Difficulty: Easy 3. (p. 5) When an employer uses an employee suggestion box to gather ideas and concerns from its employees, it is primarily addressing the labor relations goal of efficiency. FALSE Difficulty: Moderate 4. (p. 5) The goals of efficiency, equity, and voice in the workplace rarely conflict with one another. FALSE Difficulty: Easy 5. (p. 6) A key role of unions is to negotiate work rules and practices that ensure fair treatment of employees by their managers and employers. TRUE Difficulty: Easy 6. (p. 6-7) In the United States, employees have broad protections against arbitrary dismissal such that employers must provide a good, business related reason for firing someone. FALSE Difficulty: Moderate 7. (p. 6) The official policy of the Unites States is to protect workers’ rights to act together for mutual aid and protection in the workplace and to promote collective bargaining as a way to resolve workplace conflict. TRUE Difficulty: Moderate 8. (p. 7) In the U.S., workers can generally...
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...society and labor force face an “industrial” change in which allows for the development of coal mining, working the railroads, in addition with a variety of other jobs. Correspondingly, when these new jobs come to the American hand, union groups begin to come along with them such as the Knights of Labor and later the American Federation of Labor. However, it is also during this time that America undergoes a great migration wave in which brings a significant amount of Italians, Germans, and Irish to the eastern coast which created great competition on the job market. Moreover,...
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...period (AFL-CIO). These are the major subjects of bargaining: * Compensation: wages, benefits, vacations and holidays, shift premiums, profit sharing. * Personnel policies and procedures: Layoff, promotion, and transfer policies, overtime and vacation rules. * Employee rights and responsibilities: seniority rights, job standards, workplace rules * Employer rights and responsibilities: management rights, just cause discipline and discharge, subcontracting, safety standards. (Budd, p. 11) According to ABC News, Brian Bennett from ESPN talked about Northwestern players get Union Vote. The NLRB ruled that Northwestern Football players qualify as an employee of the university and can unionize. This was accepted after three years member colleges and universities have worked to re-evaluate the current rules. This is beneficial for employees in this case the athlete and employer in this case university. The player is an employee since the player sign a contract for the university and as result obtain a scholarship. For now, the push is to unionize athletes at private schools, such as Northwestern, because the federal labor agency does not have jurisdiction over public universities. (ABC NEWS) Jack Murtha, a writer for Greater Media Newspaper website writes about Township of Marlboro, settles new contracts for incoming employees. The new terms of these contracts provide less paid time off and a reduction in benefits, according to municipal...
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...and gentleman. Today I am going to talk about some of the challenges facing labor unions today and how we can rise to meet them. Government policies may vary from province to province but we are fortunate enough to have some of the strongest labor legislation out there. The economic recession has been hard on everyone and unions are no exception, with the lay-offs or closures of plants and businesses, the union faces the challenge of ensuring we stay strong and effective. In the workplace there are many challenges relating to diversity, changing human resource management and organizing one of the largest sectors of workers in Canada, the service and retail industry. (Very good introduction!) Economic and political change, globalization and restructuring have made people question the effectiveness or need for unions. With the changes in the workplace and workforce, such as shrinking public sector and primary industries and the growth of the private sector coupled with the changes in work arrangements, unions are faced with challenges relating to their survival and vitality. (McQuarrie, 2003) Traditionally unions were structured to represent employees in industries with a fairly stable workforce and hierarchical relationship with management. Today unions face the necessity of “having to adapt to new realities of work and proving their relevance to a new generation of workers in a variety of workplaces.” (McQuarrie, 2003) Workforce demographics are changing, with more young people...
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...employees in unionized workplaces, or those who could unionize, and laws that affects the workplace. This includes processes and rules related to collective bargaining. The government provides a fair and balanced framework of labor relations and dispute settlement. With policy development and analysis of trends and issues of labor relations, the government provides facilitation and education, dispute resolution services and information for collective bargaining. The Canadian Labour Congress is releasing this study to show just how much better the union advantage truly is – both nationally and in 30 communities across the country. This study shows that in Canada on an average, unionized workers get almost $5 more an hour than non-union workers. A union is a group of workers who come together for making collective decisions about their work and working conditions. There is a democratic union in which the members elect the leaders through voting process. With the help of collective bargaining, these leaders negotiate with the employer in terms of wages, safety, working conditions, hours, and other benefits, on behalf of the members. The rights of unionized workers may vary extensively depending on the country, region and industry. Also rules, regulations and laws can also be amazingly complex. These rights are constantly evolving, and state governments adopt national laws to defend or diminish the rights of unionized workers. A non-unionized workplace is a workplace where there is no...
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...Since the inception of industrialization, labour unions and organizations have been fighting nobly for their respected members. A labour union is a group of workers that collaborate together to gain control of the workplace and improve working conditions (“labour union”). The Knights of Labor was a worker organization that was unique from any other of its time. Although, the greater part of the Knights’ labour movement lasted only two decades, they were able to accomplish a great deal throughout that time. The Knights’ accomplishments revolved around the process in which they successfully attracted a large number of people, as well as their two most notable victories regarding the 8 Hour Movement and the Jay Gould Strike. To begin, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the Knights of Labor and their origins. The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of labor formed in 1869 as a small and secret society (Palmer, 1992, p. 121). They began as a simple group of Philadelphian garment workers lead by Uriah Stephens. Stretching beyond boundaries of a common labour union, Stephens incorporated “a religious brotherhood, a political reform society, a fraternal order, and a pure and simple unionism” into his organization (Palmer, p. 121). Under the leadership of Stephens, the Knights remained a relatively secretive organization. This completely changed when Terence V. Powderly took over the union and exposed the Knights to the public in the 1880s. This marked the beginning of...
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... Abstract The beginning of Labor Unions date back all the way to the 18th Century with Samuel Gompers in 1894; he was the AFL leader 1886-1924. The AFL has been one of the largest sponsored unions in this country. The National Labor Union (NLU), founded in 1866, was the first national labor federation in the United States. It was dissolved in 1872. The regional Order of the Knights of St. Crispin was founded in the northeast in 1867 it claimed 50,000 members by 1870, by far the largest union in the country. The advancement of unions into the twentieth century is expansive and quite dramatic. Today many unions still exist, some of these unions date a century back such as the Railroad workers, and workers of the coal industry. Although unions have slightly dwindled in this century, many still exist. The increase in health care union organization in the last ten years has also increased. These include the Massachusetts Nurse Association, the National league of Nursing, United health care workers, and numerous smaller unions for hospital based employees. This topic is very interesting as it is a huge part of American history. It is expansive and involves numerous people who are historians of the union organization, and the changes it promoted in the industrial, and manufacturing industries. In Your Own Words Labor Unions: A union is an organization established by and for workers to pursue collective workplace goals: wages, benefits, work rules...
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...labor relations MG420 RESEARCH assignment pAPER MG420 Labor Relations July 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Page 1. Collective Bargaining 2 * Four Components of a Collective Bargaining Agreement 2 2. Three U.S. Laws Supporting Collective Bargaining 5 * Three Examples of Employer Unfair Labor Practices 5 3. Establishing and Decertifying a Collective Bargaining Unit 9 * Part of the Process of Establishing a Union 9 * Part of the Process of Decertifying a Union 9 4. Administering a Collective Bargaining Agreement 12 * Role and Function of an Arbitrator 12 Conclusion 14 Works Cited 16 1. Define the term “collective bargaining” and list and describe four issues that are mandatory components of a collective bargaining agreement. Include and discuss [showing relevance or applicability] at least one reference found in our text, along with a current web-based news item/magazine article about a real life example of a collective bargaining action. Pick any two of the four mandatory components you've listed and include and discuss [showing relevance or applicability] at least one reference found in our text, along with a current web-based news item/magazine article about each of those [two] collective bargaining issues in action. Collective bargaining is the process of negotiations involving the representatives of the employer and employee for terms and conditions of employment that will apply to the employee. In the United...
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...Labor Control Anonymous University of North Carolina Central Abstract This essay will demonstrate some of the visible forces created by labor unions and employers having the great advantage of being in control of employees who have significantly played a pivotal role in shaping organizations throughout the 19th century. It is well noted that employees are greatly dependent on earning wages and benefits in order to live and survive. On one side of the spectrum we will see where labor unions have shown great effort in identifying to employer’s what’s best needed for workers such as increase in wages, improved work methods as well as better benefits and entitlements. On the opposite end of the spectrum will identify where labor unions are solely interested in the business of power and control over employees within the organization. As for the employer, this essay will also identify additional types of forces and controls over employees that created and successfully shaped their organization. Labor Control Labor unions have the ability and the purpose of eliminating or reducing inefficiencies within the workplace (Aidt and Sena, 2005, p.104). In order for this to take place workers must collectively demonstrate their needs and concerns to the labor union representative and in-turn that representative communicates with management the identified requests from employees. Some of the desires that are requested by employees are increase in wages, improved working conditions...
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...The current Labor government considers collective agreements rather than individual-level agreements are the most efficient and productive form of workplace arrangements for business. Do you agree? Why ? Why not? The current Labor government considers collective agreements to be more efficient and productive than individual workplace agreements for business. This political ideology has been impacted by the changing nature of work and employment, where collective agreements and collective bargaining are no longer the most efficient and productive form of workplace arrangements for business. With the extrinsic pressures that come with an increasingly global market, business has to look at ways to increase productivity and profitability in order to stay competitive, and this requires greater levels of flexibility in the workforce. The key components of this argument are direct and indirect employee voice, and which is better for both the employee and employer. Are Trade Unions relevant as their bargaining position has been weakened by both a more global market, changes to more atypical labour types and Government legislation that emphasised individualism over collectivism (Hayter 2010). Collective agreements are agreements between employers and employees which regulate workplace terms and conditions as a collective. This is generally instigated as a result of collective bargaining by a third party, primarily Trade Unions. Individual agreements, however, are between an employer...
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...Challenges that Unions Face in the 21st Century HRM 330 Professor Morris Challenges that Unions face in the 21st Century Introduction Unions are normally formed because of the offensive treatment, unfavorable working conditions, as well as the slave labor strategies that some employers use to operate their organizations and handle their workers. Labor unions are considered as organizations that offer protection to employees. The key purpose of a labor union is to make sure that its members are fairly treated. Even with this key goal as the intention, unions have faced a number of problems and negatively impacting stigmas during their tenure. Labor Unions conceive that labor is not a commodity that can be bought and sold and that they should have some type of security in any case that they are injured or laid off. A bigger percentage of the population disagrees on how unions assist members or the kinds of agendas they maintain. Initial allegations that have been brought against the unions include unfair deals and intimidation. Historically, Americans prefer individualism. Supposedly, some union associates have threatened company owners and non-union workers, for the reason that some things were not done in a manner the union had wanted. This paper therefore outlines the challenges that unions face in the 21st century and the necessary changes required for unions to uphold, support from their associates, the society and the employers...
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...Labor Laws and Unions: The Kroger Company Kroger is a grocery store chain established its first store in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Barney Kroger who was one of two original owners; he bought out his business partner in 1884 and opened his second store location. In 1901, the Kroger Company began placing bakeries in their grocery stores. In 1955 Kroger acquired Henke and Pillot Stores and turned those stores into part of the chain in 1966. In 1970 Kroger became the first grocer in America to test an electronic scanner. Kroger also pioneered consumer research for its grocery stores. Today Kroger has nearly 2,500 stores in 31 states under 28 different names, along with annual sales of more than $70 billion. Kroger currently ranks as one of America’s largest retailers. The Kroger Company has been operating for over 125 years and continues to be the most recognizable grocery store chain in the United States. (The Kroger Company 2012). Kroger is a unionized company and its employees are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Unions operate as the middleman between the employer and the employee. “Beliefs about the effects of a union at a person’s own workplace are critical determinants of intentions to vote for or against union representatives” (University of Phoenix, 2012). Currently unions account for 15.7 million workers in the United States, which is equal to one out of eight employees. There are advantages for employees of a unionized...
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...operations and managements professional conduct under the two significantly differing environments unionized and union free. As XYZ faces the union organizing campaign thoroughly understanding the basic differences, actions as well as statements allowed and prohibited is vital for management during the campaign because both the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Taft-Hartley Act prohibit employers from discriminating against employees for participating in union activities (NLRB.Gov n.d.). It must be understood viewpoints on operating in a unionized and a union free environment differ between employers and the success of XYZ during the union organizing campaign will greatly depend on management’s thorough understanding of the differing advantages. My overall mission is to make sure the XYZ makes the right decision for our company’s strategic goals both in electing for a union free environment and managements conduct when facing the union campaigning. Thank you, HR Director Introduction Unions hold a significant role in the communication between the employers, and the employees. The Unions main objective is to protect the welfare of its members. Employers have many opinions when there is a need to operate in a unionized, and union free environments. Although it may be argued a unionized environment is best, in reality this is the opposite. A union free...
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...In spring of 1911, the second largest workplace disaster in the history of New York City occurred. 146 women and teenage girls died in a fire that broke out on the top three floors of the ten-story work building that the Triangle Shirtwaist Company shared with other businesses. The fire was likely started with a cigarette bud being dropped, and the fire quickly grew with all the clothing and material to burn on. The young women tried to escape without the accommodation of a safe and appropriate exit. There was one flimsy fire exit staircase that quickly buckled under the pressure of dozens and dozens of women trying to run down it and one working elevator out of five that functioned enough to make four trips before the tragedy ended. Women...
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