Exam 10: Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining

Because governments must continue to operate,and since there are generally no alternatives for their services,public unions are very reluctant to press for financial benefits that must be paid for by the public.

Participants' use of brainstorming,consensus decision making and active listening are bargaining tools typically used in interest-based bargaining.

What does the strongest reason to join a union appear to be?

Once a union wins negotiating rights for bargaining union members,it must represent all the unit employees,except those who refused to join or pay dues.

Over which area could management state that it has residual rights?

Scenario 10.1: Big Business,Big Union A union drive at the Weyburn,Saskatchewan Walmart,by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW),has been involved in lengthy court battles resulting from continuing unresolved matters between these two organizations for a decade.The UFCW,one of Canada's largest unions,first applied to the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB)to represent the Weyburn Saskatchewan Walmart workers in 2004.The union was certified in 2008,but it was overturned in court.Then in 2010,the Court of Appeal upheld the earlier decision.In December 2010,a de-certification vote by the Walmart employees was held,which is now at the Court of Appeal to see if the votes will be counted.While the union has been certified,it has yet to achieve a first collective agreement.Recently the Walmart store in Weyburn,Saskatchewan,has been found guilty of unfair labour practices by the SLRB and has been charged with interfering with the union's efforts to communicate with the workers. -Please refer to Scenario 10.1.In which organizing step did the collection of signed authorization cards play a major role?

A union shop is a provision of the collective agreement that requires applicants to join the union before they are hired.

Employers are often reluctant to resort to lockouts because of their impact on striking employees.

Contrary to popular belief,by whom are most organizing campaigns begun?

Large national unions,like the Canadian Auto Workers,have formal organizing departments to identify organizing opportunities and launch organizing campaigns.

What step in the labour relations process involves the negotiation of a collective agreement?

Federal civil servants have bargaining rights,including the right to strike and right to bargain for wages,hours,and working conditions.

Employers who are willing to meet at reasonable times and places with union negotiators and to submit realistic proposals are engaging in good-faith collective bargaining.

When are pre-hearing votes held?

Unions typically do not attempt to achieve greater participation in management decisions involving issues such as job content,productivity standards,and subcontracting of work.

Employees cite favouritism shown by managers as a major reason for joining unions.In which HR areas are employees particularly sensitive to favouritism?

Union leaders carefully evaluate their chances of success and the possible benefits to be gained from their organizing campaign.