...Union or unionized companies are businesses that hire employees that belong to a union, a legal organization that represents the employees and manages, at least in part, the hiring process. There are different types of unions, based on the industries they work within, and companies that work with unions have several common qualities that differentiate them from businesses that do not use unions. 1. Rules and Guidelines ◦ Unions are responsible for creating many different rules in the industries they are a part of. Some of these rules apply to employees and the training they must go through, but many also apply to the companies that hire union workers. These companies must provide workplaces that promote worker safety and health. Of course, good companies will work toward these aims anyway, and state or federal governments have their own safety rules. But unions often add extra guidelines to make sure that workers will not be mistreated or put in danger. 2. Compensation ◦ Union workers, on average, are paid more than employees who are not part of unions. This means that union companies must expect to pay more in compensation. Many companies balance this by offering fewer benefits to employees, but only up to a point; most unions also require companies to offer certain benefits, such as health insurance. This is one reason that unions are popular among employees, and it is also a key point of negotiation between companies and unions. 3. Pricing ◦ In general, companies...
Words: 289 - Pages: 2
...collectively.” “Theoretically, the rationale for unionisation appears sound. However, in practice, ensuring the solidarity of workers and controlling the supply of labour is problematic.” (Finnemore, 2013). Based on the statements above, present a detailed discussion on trade unions. Your discussion should include reasons why employees join trade unions, goals on trade unions, trade union structure and organisational effectiveness and closed shop and agency shop agreements. Darryl John Iyaloo Human Resource Management 311 (BBA) 28 April 2016 ABSTRACT This paper provides a detailed discussion on the South African Trade Union Movement. Using the case study of The Marikana Fallout, this paper will attempt to unpack why employees join trade unions, goals of the trade unions, trade union structure and organisational effectiveness, closed shop and agency shop agreements. 1. Introduction 2. The South African Trade Union Movement: A Brief History 3. The Case of The Marikana Fallout 4. The Reasons Why Employees Join Trade Unions 5. Goals Of The Trade Unions 6. Trade Unions Structure and Organisational Effectiveness 7. Closed Shop and Agency Shop Agreements 8.1 Closed Shop Agreements 8.2 Agency Shop Agreements 8. Conclusion 9. References 1. Introduction As an upper middle-income country within Africa and the continent’s largest economy, South...
Words: 3906 - Pages: 16
...Name of the Organization: United Auto Workers Union Brief background information Aside from the union that employs almost half the employees of the company I’m currently employed by, the only other union I am aware of that is still unionized is the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). The UAW website classifies the Union as "one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy. It represented workplaces ranging from multinational corporations, small manufacturers and state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations". What's more, the Union "has more than 390,000 active members and more than 600,000 retired members are in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico". (UAW, 2012) Legal issues and obstacles that this organization could encounter In the beginning years of the union, the union was faced with work stoppages and strikes. These occurrences affected the output of a company, the worker’s salary and the economy in general. Determine which federal, state, or local laws could be broken because of these legal issues and why. Laws violated by wildcat strikes and work stoppages: The Norris–La Guardia Act (also known as the Anti-Injunction Bill) was a 1932 United States federal law that banned yellow-dog contracts, prevented federal courts from issuing injunctions against...
Words: 781 - Pages: 4
...ABSTRACT Unions were formed because of the less than human treatment, implorable working conditions, and slave labor maneuvers that employers used to run their company and handle their employees. Labor unions have been considered by many to be an organization that defends and helps the working class people in America. Introduction A Union is constituted by a group of workers who link together to create a strong partnership against the company they currently are employed by. These partnership are created so that these groups of workers will have the requirements to quietly negotiate with their employers for better and safer working conditions, equal opportunity in the place of work regarding salaries and health benefits, and outstanding rights regarding discrimination due to religion, race, disability, sexual orientation, and other discrimination. Late in the 1800’s unions originated and took shape, nevertheless Unions became influential in the early 19th century. Unions had a significant influence on passing laws protecting children that had to work. These laws made sure that children would not be able to work with any type of machinery (heavy), would not work long hours, and that at least they got paid minimum wage. Additionally, unions worked to have workers reduced their demanding 12 hour shifts and reduce them to an 8 hour shifts. Every influential union, permits workers to negotiate in opposition to the company they worked for and use the following tools for...
Words: 2303 - Pages: 10
...Unions Fay Stewart Human Capital Management HRM/531 February 28, 2012 Dennis Heins Unions Unions began to form in the United States in the mid-19th century. During this time unions were seen as criminal that engaged in violence and vandalism. Two centuries later, unions are seen as a force for employees receiving what is just due. In 2011 Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker introduced a bill that became law to strip public workers of some or all of their collective bargaining rights. Unions have many benefits and the process to become unionized is long. Once a union is established they will use collective bargaining to assist their members in receiving a labor contract. The relationship between the union and employer is a continuous process. Wisconsin Public Workers The State of Wisconsin public workers unions came in to fire when Governor Scott Walker took office. Walker campaigned on fighting for the everyday normal residents; the people who do not have a taxpayer supplied union mechanism. Governor Walker took notice that Wisconsin and other states have public employee pension plans that have escalated out of control and the disruptions to the governments it has and will cause in the form of fiscal damage. Wisconsin’s budget problems started when a series of tax cuts began in 2003 and in 2011 bills passed to provide additional tax cuts and deductions for businesses. Tax cuts have led to a budget shortfall, which led to the Governor introducing the Budget Repair...
Words: 1468 - Pages: 6
...Legislations That Shaped Labor Unions For centuries, the divide between laborers and their controllers have come with a high price. From wealthy farmers to corporate presidents, their subordinates have had to work hard to achieve their personal goals and that of employers. At times, employees have been exploited by working outrageous hours under horrible conditions for a measly pay. Such abuse was absorbed by the needy and continued for years, until the government stepped in and demanded labors to be implemented. Such laws gave the rights and freedom that many were looking for in order to work stable hours and for reasonable pay. Like many laws, it took time and effort but such laws came to fruition by legislations such as The Wagner Act, The Taft-Hartley Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Wagner Act, also known as The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, is the foundation for all unions that are now in existence in the United States. Prior to The Wagner Act, employees had no say as to whether or not they wanted to come together and agree on proposals for better and healthier work environments by being represented by unions. The Wagner Act gave employees the ability to work together, unionize and designate employee representatives that would be the voice of the employees when it came to collective bargaining (Department of Labor (DOL), 2014). This act specifically required employers to bargain in good faith over mandatory bargaining issues such as wages, hours,...
Words: 1636 - Pages: 7
...creation of Unions……………………………………………………………….…………6-7 Pros and Cons of Union Membership…………………………………………..…………….....7-9 Today’s need for Unions ……………..…………………………………………………..…...9-10 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………....10 References ……………………………………………………………………………………….11 Abstract This paper will examine whether or not there exist a current need for labor unions. ? During the 1700’s to early 1800’s, men, women, and children were treated to unbearable working conditions, low wages, and long hours. Over time the workers became fed up of the abuse and decide to unite and make changes. This change resulted in the creation of labor unions. Through, the creation and use of these unions, workers have enjoyed perks such as 40 hour work days, certain benefits and better working conditions. Over the years, the labor force has undergone multiple changes. Laws were enacted to protect employees and hold employers accountable for their abuse of personnel. With the creation and passing of the multiply employment laws, one must ask, does the need for unions still exist? Do they still serve a function or have they out served their purpose? You may associate the names Ronald Reagan, Susan B. Anthony, and Melissa Gilbert with acting, the Civil Rights movement and the presidency of the United States. However, all three individuals had one thing in common. At one point in their lives, they were union presidents...
Words: 2898 - Pages: 12
...Union vs Non Union Brian Largent I have worked for a lot of places over the years but none of them have been a union employer. I have however been through a union election, and the election that is a part of that. I am not a fan of those processes because they can take away from productivity, and cause a low morale at the workplace. In this paper I will explain the differences between the two types of shops, including the different things in management, and compensation. I will also look at the legislation that pertains to unions, and the laws that pertains to each part of a collective bargaining agreement. I will begin with the differences in management from a union employer to a non-union employer. Management in a non- union shop typically has a strong hierarchy in power, from the CEO all the way down to the common employee. Management in a non-union shop can have what is known as an open door policy, meaning that it is acceptable for employees to come to the managers with their problems. This is beneficial to keep morale in the workplace and open communication across the board. Union employers are different in a few ways when it comes to management. Management will still have the hierarchy of power, however there are more positions in that latter. In a union workplace employees do not have the chance to talk to management. A union representative must talk “for” the employee, instead of them talking on their own. While a lot of times this is not a big deal, because...
Words: 594 - Pages: 3
...Executive Summary In this paper, I argue that unions will still survive as an institution and play a significant role in the labor relations development, but for the purpose of better meeting the changing demands of new environment, after analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, I try to prove that unions must change in order to survive and further grow. Then the following part focuses on specific changes need to be made and the difficulties unions face in making such changes. Because the intensity of membership has fallen quickly since the 1980s, labor unions are forced to take measures to deal with this trend, but new changes of the labor force in the United States are barriers for unions’ expectation. Actually, for the purpose of regaining the vital role unions once did in American labor-management relations, they have made changes to create more communication and cooperation opportunities with the management to reach agreements and undoubtedly, this new approach has a positive effect on the total labor and management relations. Strengths and Weaknesses of Unions According to the definition of unions, they should be organizations of wage earners and are formed for the purpose of serving the members' interests with respect to wages and working conditions. By analyzing its history, it is obvious that labor unions were born out of necessity, to protect the health and well-being of American workers. Through the years, they have provided a unified voice...
Words: 2476 - Pages: 10
...Unions in the Philippines are classified into two (2) types or sectors; PUBLIC and PRIVATE. PUBLIC SECTOR UNION or PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATION refers to any organization, union or association of employees in the agencies of government which exist in whole or in part for the purpose of collective negotiations or mutual aid, interest, cooperation and protection. PRIVATE SECTOR UNION or LABOR ORGANIZATION refers to any union or association of employees in the private sector which exist in whole or in part for the purpose of collective bargaining or mutual aid, interest, cooperation, protection or other lawful purposes. LIST OF UNIONS OPERATING IN THE PHILIPPINES 1. NATIONAL BREWERY & ALLIED INDUSTRIES LABOR UNION OF THE PHILIPPINES 2. Philippine-affiliates of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) 3. Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) 4. Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) 5. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) 6. World Confederation of Labor (WCL) 7. Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) 8. Education International (EI) 9. Industrial Global Union 10. International Labor Organization (ILO) 11. Philippine Democratic Socialist Party (PDSP) 12. Centrist Democratic Labor Association (CDLA) 13. Associated Labor Union (ALU) 14. Philippine Transport and General Workers' Organization (PTGWO) 15. Youth Organizations Against Child Labor (YO! Child) 16. Federation of Free Workers (FFW) 17. Macajalar...
Words: 251 - Pages: 2
...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
...Labor Unions University of Phoenix MGT434: Employment Law Scott Dunlap February 7, 2008 Labor organizations or unions are formed by employees who want better wages, benefits, and healthy working conditions. Over the years, participation in unions has declined regardless of the benefits it offers. There are less strikes and better wages in the United States which in turn does not warrant the high need for these types of organizations in the work place. Labor unions today compared to in the past have fewer members and are more populated by political parties and public sector employees. During the implementation of unions, the labor force consisted heavily of automobile and steel plant workers. This has decreased due to outsourcing these jobs to foreign countries (AFL-CIO, 2004). Americans have also seen a decrease in highly-skilled jobs due to outsourcing. The United States Government current push on company’s to send these skilled jobs offshore, in return for a tax break, is hurting the economy and trade deficit. While jobs are increasing in foreign countries workers rights are not. Wages are low and employees do not have the respect and healthy work conditions as most American unions. According to a petition filed with the U.S. Trade Representative by the AFL-CIO and Industrial Union Council, the United States has lost more than 1 million jobs because of constant violations of workers rights in China (AFL-CIO, 2006). Countries with low wages or no minimum wages have...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...Labor Laws and Unions: Oshkosh Defense Today’s unions collectively see over $10 billion in revenue a year from dues payments. Most of the current workers in the unions have never voted to instate the union in the first place and yet they are forced [The passive voice is a form of "be" (are) and a participle (forced). Over-use of the passive voice can make paragraphs officious and tedious to read. Prefer the active voice. For example, passive voice = The paper was completed on time. Active voice = the student completed the paper on time. See Center for Writing Excellence > Tutorials & Guides > Grammar & Writing Guides > Active & passive voice] to become members at the expense of getting a job of his or her qualifications. This begs the question regarding whether or not unions are still as effective as they once were and whether or not these unions infringe on the employee’s rights at present. This discussion will determine what uses unions have in today’s business world. Oshkosh Defense Background Oshkosh Defense is a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation. They generate military vehicles for government bodies throughout the world. They have created more than 100,000 tactical vehicles for a full range of missions, and they proudly tout their full life [Use "their full lives"] -cycle sustainment and services plan included in the purchase of their vehicles. Oshkosh Defense employs nearly 4,000 workers in its Oshkosh, Wisconsin, facilities. Oshkosh Defense in 1938...
Words: 859 - Pages: 4
...Unions have a reputation of inspiring employee walk-outs, arbitrating grievances, and butting heads with employers. However, unions also possess positive qualities that a business may welcome. Unions have a wealth of knowledge in a variety of labor-related topics like labor laws. Further, unions typically understand the history of the laws, key rulings in court cases, and can quickly identify management errors. By listening, employers can both correct and create improved operating practices amongst the supervisors, practices that may assist in mitigating unwarranted grievances. Union stewards play a vital role in employee and management relations. Union stewards can quell a union grievance quickly thereby decreasing the permitted time allocated...
Words: 311 - Pages: 2
...Labor Unions play an essential role in representing the interests pertaining to the conditions of employment of every unionized employee. Also labor unions contribute tremendously in the continuous growth of the economy. There are common roles of the union and I will first explain Collective Bargaining. Second, I will show how in situations where an employer will not compromise to the satisfaction of the union, the union is able to implement certain actions by its members such as a strike, or a work to rule. Third, I will discuss how Prior to unionization, employers were able to take advantage of their employees by reducing pay, providing squalid working conditions, and dismissing employees at will in order to maximize company profit. Fourth, I will show that by the 1940 s, the rights of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively with employers were generally recognized and incorporated into law. Fifth, I will tell you the fact that unions are responsible for wage increases, management will respond by raising capital per worker and hiring better workers in order to increase productivity even further. Six, I will discuss the positive effect on productivity, and through wage increases to employees (providing more disposable income), unions are able to help ensure the continuing growth of the economy. Lastly, the Unions greatly benefit the workers as well as the economy as a whole. As long as democracy and capitalism are the continue to reign in our society, unions will...
Words: 263 - Pages: 2
