Class 15 - Labour Relations

Question 1

Unionization Motivation

Answer 1

1. Economic

2. Voice

Question 2

Economic Rationale

Answer 2

1. Economic justice
   The ‘wage-effort bargain’ entails earning a fair wage for effort put forth
2. Security
   To ensure job security, and therefore financial security, as well as a process for job changes
3. Wealth Redistribution
   To provide economic and other benefits and to force firms to share the wealth generated by the value created by employees
   Wage premium for unionized workers about 8%

Question 3

Voice Rationale

Answer 3

1. Respect inherent dignity of workers
   > Recognize value and humanity of working people
   > Ensure decent and humane working conditions
2. Institute industrial democracy
   > Unions are democratic organizations
   > Participate in determining codified rules of work
   > Ensure a system of justice and due process in the firm

Question 4

Union Functions

Answer 4

Negotiates the Collective Agreement

Assists in dispute resolution (process and support)

Question 5

Some Factors Affecting Union formation

I Propose a union, Let’s Do it

Answer 5

Ideology
Perceived Utility
Labour Law and Public Policy
Degree of Employer Opposition

Question 6

Labour Relations Process

DONA

Answer 6

1. Workers desire collective
2. Union begins organizing
3. Collective Negotiations
4. Contract is administered

Question 7

Canadian Labour Law

> Federal and Provincial Labour Legislation “Grade 10 Strike Made Parents Resentful”

Answer 7

Good-faith bargaining

No strikes or lockouts during agreement

Mandatory Conciliation

Prohibition of unfair labour practices

Right to join a union

Question 8

Unfair Labour Practices (screenshot from textbook, seems like mostly common sense)
By Employers:

Answer 8

By Employers:

• Helping to establish or administer a union
• Altering the working conditions of the employees while a union is applying for certification without the union’s consent
• Using intimidation, coercion, threats, promises, or exercising undue influence wile a union is being organized
• Failing to recognize or bargain with the certified union
• Hiring professional strike breakers

Question 9

Unfair Labour Practices (screenshot from textbook, seems like mostly common sense)
By Unions:

Answer 9

• Contributing financial or other support to an employees’ organization
• Not representing dairly the employees in the bargaining unit
• Bargaining or negotiating a collective agreement with an employer while another union represents the employees in the bargaining unit
• Calling or authorizing an unlawful strike, or threatening to do so

Question 10

Labour Relations Boards (Ontario: OLRB)

Answer 10

Mandate

• Develop/oversee administrative regulations for unionization process
• Hear complaints of unfair labour practices
• Determine if bargaining is done in good faith
• Remedy violations of legislation

Administer Relevant Statutes… in Ontario, primarily:

1. Labour Relations Act
2. Employment Standards Act
3. Occupational Health and Safety Act