Class 3 : MANAGING IN A UNIONIZED ENVIRONMENT

Question 1

What is a union?

• a ____ constituted organization that represents the employee’s ____
• ______ participation in administering the union through electing union and supporting it _____ through union dues
• the right to form and participate in unions is protected by ___

Answer 1

1. legally, interest
2. employee, financially
3. law

Question 2

name 2 of the 3 factors that are the source of unionization

Answer 2

1. insecurity
2. perceived injustice
3. feeling of powerlessness

Question 3

what can cause insecurity ?

Answer 3

• to much change (policies, schedule)

- unilateral management decision

Question 4

what can cause perceived injustice?

Answer 4

• lack of equity
• salary injustice
• arbitrary

Question 5

what can cause feeling of powerlessness?

Answer 5

• standards imposed by management

- lack of health and safety

Question 6

the main stages (3) of labor relations are governed by who ?

Answer 6

the labour code

Question 7

what are the three main stages ?

Answer 7

1. the creation of a bargaining unit
2. négociation of a collective agreement
3. application of the collective agreement

Question 8

Can indépendante employee have a union?

Answer 8

no, you need to have power over you) –> only open to association of employees

Question 9

can the employer finance the union?

Answer 9

no

Question 10

in the negotiation of collective agreement, what is the difference between contractual clauses and working condition clauses

Answer 10

contractual clauses = settlement of grievances and length of collective agreement

working condition clauses = schedules, holidays, staff movements, overtime, wages & benefits.

Question 11

how many days does the collective agreement has before obtaining the right to strike or lockout ?

Answer 11

90 days for :

beginning of negotiations

use of a conciliator to help with a dispute

request for an arbitrator to render a decision for the collective agreement

Question 12

class these pressure tactics between illegal and legal

1. 3rd party picketing
2. strike/lockout
3. picketing (under certain condition)
4. anti scab
5. not wearing your uniform
6. distribute pamphlets
7. work to rule
8. slowdown and solidarity strikes

Answer 12

legal :
2 3 5 6

illegal :
1 4 7 8

Question 13

name 2 things that a manager can do when there is negotiation of a collective agreement ?

Answer 13

1. prepare for a work stoppage
2. participate in the communication plan provided by HRD
3. advise clients
4. plan the necessary staff to continue activities, if safe
5. plan to return to work

Question 14

can the agreement be oral, writing or enregistrer?

Answer 14

only written (and non French)

Question 15

name on positive and one negative impact of a union

Answer 15

positive :
Restricted arbitrary of employer
Opportunity to express yourself
Investment in training and skills development
Adoption of work practices that contribute to productivity

negative : 
Reduced flexibility
Not inclined to variable pay
Reduced flexibility in staffing process
Less use of formal performance evaluation systems