Chapter 3,4,5 - Roles of Players - Concepts

Question 1

What are two key objectives of employers? In the light of each of these objectives, explain at least one process or method a company could use to achieve each objective.

Answer 1

Productivity and Control

To achieve productivity > job design, job re-egineering job re-assigment, innovation or technological change

control > Union avoidance or oppisition measures. Lockouts, political activity, legal activity

Question 2

Identify three different factors affecting an employer’s labour relations strategy.

Answer 2

How they try to achieve competitive advantage.
Cost leadership > it is more likely to be opposed to unionization, since it would wish to avoid the resulting higher compensation cos
differentiation > may be compatible with the higher costs associated with unionization. Also, unions provide a voice to employees, which may suit a differentiation strategy by encouraging worker input on matters related to quality and customer service.

Question 3

Outline the difference between a union substitution strategy and one other possible employer labour relations approach.

Answer 3

d

Question 4

Describe the implications of a cost leadership or differentiation strategy for labour relations.

Answer 4

d

Question 5

Explain the significance of a high-performance work system for labour relations.

Answer 5

d

Question 6

Outline barriers to increased employee involvement in unionized workplaces. Which one would be most difficult to overcome?

Answer 6

d

Question 7

What is union density, and why is this measure important?

Answer 7

s

Question 8

Why is union density higher in Canada than in the United States?

Answer 8

s

Question 9

What are some of the characteristics of Canadian union membership, and what is the significance of these features?

Answer 9

s

Question 10

What are examples of union objectives and processes in today’s workplaces?

Answer 10

s

Question 11

What are the key functions of a union local?

Answer 11

s

Question 12

What is a key distinguishing characteristic between national and international unions?

Answer 12

s

Question 13

What are two functions of a “parent” union in relation to their union locals?

Answer 13

s

Question 14

In a conversation, someone has referred to “my union.” What are the possible meanings of this phrase?

Answer 14

s

Question 15

How is the Canadian Labour Congress different from a national or international union?

Answer 15

s

Question 16

What is a labour federation? Name two key functions provided to its member unions.

Answer 16

s

Question 17

What is a labour council? How does it serve unions in its service area? What is an example of a “community issue” that could be supported by a labour council?

Answer 17

s

Question 18

Why are national and international unions lobbying political leaders in Canada regarding economic treaties such as NAFTA?

Answer 18

s

Question 19

Why does government become involved in labour relations?

Answer 19

s

Question 20

What methods do governments use to regulate and influence the labour relations system?

Answer 20

s

Question 21

What is the composition of a labour relations board?

Answer 21

s

Question 22

How do Labour Relations Boards serve as key actors in the labour relations system?

Answer 22

s