Exam 14: The Dynamics of Labour Relations

Scenario 14.2 Calendar "R" Us Ltd. produces calendars for middle and high schools in Ontario. Calendar started back in 2006 and today has over 60 employees. About two years ago, the employees organized and obtained union certification. To date, the union has not successfully negotiated a collective agreement. Employees are not happy with the progress the union has made, and much of the concerns they have had (wages, benefits, training, etc.)have not been addressed. Calendar "R" Us employees feel that the union is more interested in serving the needs of the company and are looking to find a replacement. -Refer to Scenario 14.2. Calendar "R" Us employees want to change their union. Before they can decertify, all of the following must be in place EXCEPT which one?

According to federal labour law, which tactic can employers use in opposing unionization?

In the United States, the key central federation of unions is called the AFL-CIO. In Canada, what is the name of the organization that does similar work?

Who is responsible for administering the union certification elections in Canada?

Who has the major responsibility in negotiating and administering the labour agreement and working to resolve problems arising in connection with it?

The majority of workers in Canada are governed by legislation at which level/jurisdiction?

Yorkville Tire Manufacturing Company has been experiencing really bad management-employee relations for almost two years. Jack Spratt, one of the leaders among the employees, wants to help in unionizing the employees. He has met with most of the employees. What should he do next?

Which of the following is NOT a usual effect of unions in the workplace?

Explain the impact of unionization on managers.

In the bargaining model, what is the area within which the union and employer are willing to concede when bargaining?

A boycott is a refusal to cross a union picket line.

Which of the following is a requirement of interest-based bargaining?

Scenario 14.1 Boat Xpress, a Canadian shipping firm, has been treating employees unfairly for decades. Employees work full-time hours but are hired as part-timers with no benefits other than 4 percent vacation pay. Health and safety standards are nonexistent, and the list goes on. Employees have tried to organize before, but management fired them and threatened the remaining workers. A new employee decided that the working conditions are intolerable and wants to get other employees organized in order to obtain union representation. All employees now believe that their interests will be better served with collective agreements. -Refer to Scenario 14.1. Management does not have the right to fire employees for organizing. The right of workers to join unions was established back in 1948 by which of the following?

Labour boards generally have representatives from which of the following groups?

Most labour relations activity comes from the day-to-day administration of the collective agreement.

Mary works in the basement of her employer's home sewing pants. What is one of the biggest challenges facing workers like Mary in becoming unionized?

Mary Hart works for the federal government in the immigration department. Her office is located in Toronto. Which piece of labour legislation applies to her workplace?

Scenario 14.1 Boat Xpress, a Canadian shipping firm, has been treating employees unfairly for decades. Employees work full-time hours but are hired as part-timers with no benefits other than 4 percent vacation pay. Health and safety standards are nonexistent, and the list goes on. Employees have tried to organize before, but management fired them and threatened the remaining workers. A new employee decided that the working conditions are intolerable and wants to get other employees organized in order to obtain union representation. All employees now believe that their interests will be better served with collective agreements. -Refer to Scenario 14.1. Employees are very concerned about the repercussions of the company finding out that they are seeking union representation. Boat Xpress can legally do which of the following?

Which of the following is NOT one of the key reasons why workers join unions in Canada?

Canadian employers tend to be supportive of union organizing drives.