Labour Relations Flashcards
If the union representation vote does not result in sufficient support
The union must wait for 1 year before another vote is hels
Mediation is
Voluntary Decisions are not BINDING ministry of labour can appoint them Faster than arbitration less costly than arbitration create better solutions protects parties relationships happens after conciliation able to asset by suggesting a new basis for settlement allows the negotiators to back away from their position
What is the recognition article
it is a term in the collective agreement providing that the employer recognizes the union as the bargaining agent for a specified group of employees
Types of Union Membership
Closed shop- all employees must be a member of the union- hired through the union
Union Shop-new employees hired do not need to be union members but must become a union member in specified time period
Modified Union Shop- where non union employees already employed do not have to join the union but all new employees must
Open shop- where union membership is not required to work there
Disadvantages of Med-Arb
The parties might not be candid with the mediator as they know they will be acting as the arbitrator later
The arbitrator amy obtain information in the mediating stage that might influence their decision
What are the Environmental Factors impacting Labour Relations
Legislation
Economy
Positive Affects unions have on Productivity
Productivity is increased due to Low turnover having to be more efficient increased accountability more effective compensation package reduced rivalry increased informal training
Define Union Density
is the percentage of non agricultural workers who are union members
What is the open systems approach to Labour Relations-
Alton Craig- 5 elements
The ENVIRONMENT
Set of Actors
The processes or activities in which the parties are engaged in
The outputs or results of the parties activities
PLUS
Feedback is an essential component
What type of worker is in a general Union
Not confined to any particular industry or occupation
Who negotiates for the Employer
Must have the authority to make decisions People with Business Knowledge Labour Relations Specialist Financial Resource person Generally NOT the TOP management
What outcome does the grievance process provide
quality and consistency of management decisions
What needs to happen before negotiations can take place
The labour relations board must have recognized the Union as the bargaining agent for the employers
The Union must be recognized by the employer before the labour relations board will recognize them
Do Unions need to notify the Employer if they file a complaint with the Ministry regarding the use of Unfair Labour practices
NO
Why is it hard to unionize part time workers
High turnover
decreased commitment
Names the types of strikes
Walkouts- leave the work premise
slowdown/ Work to rule- reduce pace/productivity
sympathy strike- illegal- call on other unions to strike as to show support
rotating strikes- when employees at different locations alternately stop working
Wildcat strike- -Employees stage an unauthorized strike/against unions orders to not to strike
Picketing- Union members must participate
Boycott products
What term is used to describe the employee management employment relation in a UNION company
Labour Relations
Affect of Unions on Profitability
Profitability- Unionized organizations have lower profits
Why has technology affected unions
because it can require different worker skills
Key difference between public and private sector labour relations is:
Public is political based and private is economics
Define the duty of fair representation
Prohibits the union from acting in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith
Governed by Labour Relations legislation
applies to the contract negotiations
What must Unionized Employers prove to dismiss an employee
Just cause
Define Mediation- Arbitration
It is a two step process, sometimes referred as med-arb
The individual assisting first tries as a mediator to reach an agreement and then if no settlement is reached the same person acts as an arbitrator and decides the terms of the agreement
What makes up the Structure of the Local UNION
Union Steward- each department has an elected steward to seek advice from and oversee initial grievances/ day to day communication with supervisors
Chief Steward- Elected person responsible for grievances, participates in KEY meetings
Union President- Elected employee by members. manages the relationship with the company, participates in all KEY meetings
What Can’t employers do in the disciplinary process
Impose fines that aren’t stated in the collective agreement
reduce or eliminate seniority
impose discipline for twice for the same misconduct
What type of worker is in a Industrial Union
Anybody who works in the same company or particular industry- Communication, energy and paper
What are the Typical Collective Agreement articles
Grievance & Arbitration Procedure Duration or Term of the Agreement Union Security Management Rights Preamble Seniority Wages Layoffs and recalls Benefits Hours of Work and scheduling Union Business/ rights officer
What is surface bargaining-
is bargaining aimed to avoid reaching an agreement, go through the motions with n intent to reach an agreement
What is a Provincial Labour Federation
an organization composed of unions in a province that belong to the CLC
Every province has one
Lobby the provincial government regarding employment and labour relations legislation, education members supporting unions on strike
What is Remedial Certification/ Automatic Certification
Union Certification as a result of unfair labour practices
applicable provinces when the labour relations board makes a decision based on Employer misconduct
In some provinces when the union can show they have greater than 50% of support of the proposed bargaining unit
The Board uses it’s remedial powers to certify the union
* A provision in some legislation where the Union can be certified without a representation vote
Define Culpable absenteeism
Absenteeism in which the employee is at fault or there is blameworthy conduct- skipping work to go to a baseball game
Who are the actors in Labour Relations
government
Unions
Employers
What are new issues Unions are addressing because of larger representation of women in Union membership
Work Life Balance
Identify the most common Bargaining Structures
Single Employer, single establishment, single union
Single employer, multiple establishments, single union
what is Bumping or Bumping rights
the displacement of an employee by another who has more seniority and would otherwise be laid off
Private Sector Labour Relations Legislation
Federal- Canada Labour Code
Ontario- Labour Relations Act
What is the basis of Private Sector Union decisions
Economics
Affects on Unions on Training
Training= Unionized organizations- training costs and spending are higher
Identify other Dispute resolutions methods
Final Offer Vote- Employer or minister requests a final vote
Back to work legislation- Special statute passed to end a strike or lockout and usually imposes arbitration
Increased use of this by governments who deem the strike to impose undue hardship on the public
How often to Arbitrators reinstate an employee
1/2 the time and is one of the most significant implications of unionization
What does Labour Legislation require in ALL collective agreements
#1- A NO Strike or Lockout clause #2- Provisions or mandatory arbitration #3- term of a minimum of 1 year
If the Union makes promises to Employees during the organizing capping , Is that considered Unfair Labour Practice
NO
Define Innocent Absenteeism
Absenteeism where the employee has no control over the absence from work- sickness /injury
What is Hard Bargaining
it a legitimate attempt to obtain a favourable agreement- persistent attempt to get an agreement
What is the Wagner Act
it established the right to organize, compulsory bargaining and prohibition of unfair labour practices in the United states
What is a resistance point
is the negotiating parties bottom line- the least favourable offer it will accept
Future of Unions- What challenges do they face
Globalization
Privatization of government businesses
Economic Challenges
Less favourable political & leaf environment
Difficulties with more collaborative role of Employers
More competitive driven economies
legislation changes that are less favourable
Improve their administration- more efficient and cost effective
What are the special conditions which Unions can be certified under
Automatic/Remedial Certification - Employer is found guilty go unfair labour practices ** This can happen even if the union lost the vote
Voluntary Recognition- The Employer voluntarily recognizes the UNION as the Bargaining Unit
Define the Public Sector
Includes all persons- 3 components
#1- employed directly by local, provincial and federal governments
#2 indirectly in health, social services and education:
#3 government business enterprises
** Unlike private sector, the public sector are the only providers of their services
What are Unfair Labour Practices
Practices that prevent people from exercising their legal rights
What is RIGHTS ARBITRATION
Refers to disputes regarding the administration of the collective agreement- grievances
The percentage of the Canadian labour force that belongs to unions is approx…
30%
Define the Hot cargo clause
Allows the employee to refuse to work with goods associated with an employer engaged in a labour dispute- generally unenforceable because it generally is trying to contract out the statutory prohibition against a strike or lockout during a term of agreement
Why do Strikes occur
Unions and Management are basing their negotiations on different information
Economic Factors- Periods of High employment increase strike activity
Strike is low in bargaining units who have received high wage increases
Bargaining Unit and community characteristics-male dominated and larger bargaining units strike more often
Conflict with the Employer or UnionRelationship between the union and management
Negotiators skills and experience
Bargaining history
Legal Environment
Employee discontent
What does the National Union Do
Provides resources and support to the local unions
members are in Canada ONLY- head office is in Canada
Affects of Unions on Managerial Control
managerial Control- Is reduced- ability to make decisions to contract out, fill job vacancies, establish work rules, terminate or technology change
Define Craft Union
Labour Union composed of members which all have one skill- highly skilled example plumbers, electrician
How can a strike be ended
Labour legislation provides that the Minister of Labour can order a final vote by employees where it is in the public interest to do do- strike of garbage handlers
What is Integrative Bargaining
Both parties are able to achieve joint gains
Also known as Interest based bargaining
What is required to be filed with the application of certification
All the information gathered by the Union during the organizing campaign must be filed with the application and it helps to determine the unions strategy
Who Negotiates for the Union
Local Union President
Local Union Representatives
Experts in specialized areas - example H&S
National or International Representatives
What are the Collective bargaining Objectives
Convince the other party to accept your demands
Demonstrate your bargaining strength
Determine the other party’s point of agreement
What are examples of UNION Unfair Labour Practices
Refusal to bargain in good faith
calling for an unlawful strike
Intimidating employees to become members
Union activity during work hours without the permission of the Employer
Discriminating against a member who is not a union supporter
Failing to fairly represent members
What is the effect of a lockout
Public perception
Loss of income by employees
Advantage of Med-Arb
The parties can get to arbitration faster
the arbitrator has already all the background and information on the issues
What are the Negotiation Steps- Lorraine
1- Preparation- both sides conduct research
Employer- prepares a budget for the new contract
Local Union- will receive direction from National office about key changes or additions to seek
#2- Meeting Coordination
Employer will organize the meetings
provide leave of absence for Union negotiating Committee
Meetings can be held anywhere, better if they are off site- neutral territory, no disruption, maintain confidentiality
#3-Proposals are Prepared
After the research Each side prepares a draft proposal outlying their wishes or demands
Demands can be monetary- wages/Pensions or NON-monteary- procedural matters
#4- Exchange Proposals
Prior to the first meeting or at the first meeting they exchange proposals and views of the negotiation
Employers provides a Business overview and the direction the company is heading
#5- Bargaining Session
Work through NON-monteary proposals first
Can take a few days to a few months
Final offer- Presented by the Employer
#6- Settlement
Memorandum of Settlement is prepared when both parties have agreed, outlining the agreement
#7- Ratification Vote
Secret vote takes place, where the union members approve or reject the new collective agreement 50% +1 in Ontario
What does the Ontario Federation of labour do?
Provincial body that acts as the central organization for all unions in the province and represents interested to the Provincial Government
Employment Involvement program can’t
relate to matters covered by the collective agreement
Unions can’t ask members to boycott such programs
What does the Arbitrator consider when making decisions on disciplinary actions
Whether the offence actually occurred
Whether the penalty imposed was appropriate
- Can substitute another penalty
can overturn a termination and reinstate the employee
Does Legislation grant every worker the right to unionize
NO
what is a check-off
the deduction of union dues from employees pay by the employer and remittance of the dues to the union
What is centralized bargaining
refers to negotiations that cover more than one location, bargaining unit or employer
What are examples of EMPLOYER Unfair Labour Practices
Firing Union Supporters
Intimidating Employees into rejecting the Union
Demoting or disciplining Union Supporters
Changing Wages or Work Conditions during the campaign
Threats
Illegal lockout
participating in the Union Drive
Failure to recognize or Bargain with the Union
Union work during a strike
What are Public Sector Financial Constraints
Legislation to constrain compensation
increased debt & spending makes contract negotiations difficult
Define Final Offer Selection
A type of Arbitration where both parties submit their final offer and the arbitrator picks one
The terms of the offer chosen are incorporated into the collective agreement
What are the factors affecting the Unions Bargaining Power
Support of bargaining members Size of the Strike fund Timing of the strike Effectiveness of the strike Effect of picketing labour cost/total cost Elasticity of demand for the product/service provided Public opinion
Define CLC- Canadian Labour Congress
Governing Body of Labour Unions in Canada
National Spokesperson to the Federal Government
Interest Arbitration is used primarily by what sector and for what purpose
Public sector
Provided as an alternative to strike/lockouts for some employees who do not have the right- emergency services
What are the Strategies Employers use dealing with Unions
Union Opposition- Try to maintain a union free status
Union Avoidance- Try to maintain a union free status by convincing Employees they don’t need unions- Provide higher compensation
Union Acceptance- Try living with any union that obtains bargaining rights and TRY to secure the best deal possible
Union Resistance- Involves a Partially unionized employer attempting to limit the spread of the unions in the organization- extend the wage increase achieved by the unions bargaining to non unions
Union Removal- The Employer attempts ti rid itself of the union- refusing to bargain in good faith
The negotiation Steps
Notice to Bargain
Bargaining Teams selected
Preparation of demands
Meetings- agreement or no agreement go to next step
Conciliation/Mediation- Agreement or no agreement/next step
Strike /Lock out- Agreement
Arbitration- Agreement
What is the purpose of labour legislation
To provide a common set of rules for a harmonious relationship between parties
Negative Affects union have on Productivity
Increased per unit labour costs seniority work rules cause inefficiencies adverbial relationship more than optimum investment in capital
If the Employer makes promises to Employees during the organizing campaign , Is that considered Unfair Labour Practice
Yes
Affects of Unions on Recruiting/Sections
Employer Recruiting/Selection- Mistake in selection has more significance because of the procedures & process to terminate are provided by the collective agreement
What are the factors affecting the Employers Bargaining power
Sufficient inventory on hand
If the outgoing bargaining unit is independent in the organization and doesn’t impact the rest of the organization
Competitive position of the employer/ customer loss
Timing of the strike- is the employer a seasonal business
The ability of the employer to use replacement workers
What type os worker is in a trade Union
Specific Skilled Workers- Brotherhood of Electricians
What are the steps of an Organizing Campaign
Step #1- Union begins organizing drive or workers approach union for a drive
Step #2- Organizing committee of company Employees is established to assist with the campaign, comprised of employees at the site who support the Union. This stage is very low key to avoid managements detection
Step#3- Research is done to support organizing efforts, Recruitment of interested members begins and Data is collected such as a list of eligible employees obtained
Step#4- Information meeting is held to formally access the level of support for the Union and likelihood of the campaign resulting in a certification- MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Step #5- Get the Employees to sign Membership cards- Visits may be made at homes or somewhere else- Special attention should be made to AVOID any UNFAIR labour Practices at this stage
Step#6- Upon Sufficient levels of support, an application for certification is made( Varies by province- 40% interest is required in Ontario to file the application with the Labour Relations Boards.
Benefits of the grievance system
settles dispute without work interruption
settles disputes before next round of negotiations
provides a communication mechanism
establishes a check on the quality and consistency of management decisions
reduces turnover
provides a method to oppose or resist management decisions
increase union solidarity
provides political benefit to union officials
provides potential pressure tactic
What are the disadvantages of Arbitration
Chilling effect- parties may not make any concessions on their own- let the arbitrator decide
discourage the process to negotiate the collective agreement on their own
What are the Factors that affect an Employers Labour Relations Strategy
Competitive Strategies- If the company emphasizes low cost it is more likely to oppose the union
Competitors Status- Unionized or Non Unionized
Experience with Unions- Past experience
Managers Values or Ideology
Unions Philosophy or Policies
Unions Powers or Ability- Strength of the Union
Types of Employees the company recruits- Young/old
Legal Environment- Legislation in place how easy is it
Is there provincial and federal labour legislation
Yes
What are successor rights
They protect the rights of the union and any collective agreement if the business is sold
Public Service Staff Relations Act- What year and what did it do
1967- Gave federally government employees the right to unionize
distinct aspect is it gives provides for a choice of contract dispute resolution either interest arbitration or strike
During the 19th century strike/union organizers could be charged with a criminal offence
true or false
true