Chapter 14 Discussion
Explain how the role of unions differs in a global environment.
Laws that regulate unions and the influence that they hold are the two biggest variables. For example, a large percent of workers in China belong to unions, but they have very little influence. The negotiation and contract administration processes can be quite different too.
Outline the steps in the union‐organizing process.
Preparation begins when workers become frustrated with working conditions and salaries and are approached by a union. The next step is for employees to sign authorization cards requesting union representation. A petition to the NLRB is submitted if at least 30 percent of employees sign authorization cards. The NLRB then schedules a RC election held with a secret ballot. If a majority of the workers vote to for union representation, the union is certified. If members become dissatisfied with the union, it may vote to decertify it.
Discuss the effects of the Wagner and the Taft-Hartley Acts on labor- management relations.
The National Labor Relations Act commonly referred to as the Wagner Act guarantees workers the right to organize and join unions, bargain collectively, for wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment. It also provides the right to strike in the event that agreement cannot be met. It also established the National Labor Relations Board to certify bargaining units and prevent unfair labor practices. The Labor Management Relations Act, more commonly called the Taft- Hartley Act, was created to apply some of the same requirements to unions such as restricting unfair labor practices like illegal strikes and refusing to bargain in good faith. It also established the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to assist in settling labor disputes.
Outline additional important laws and executive orders affecting labor- management relations.
The Railway Labor Act outlines conditions for workers in transportation to bargain collectively. The Landrum‐Griffin Act and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act addressed union corruption. Executive Orders 10988 and 11491 and The Civil Service Reform Act regulate collective bargaining for federal workers.
Describe the collective‐bargaining process.
The first step is preparing to negotiate, which includes research and goal setting by both unions and employers. Negotiations between union and employers are the next step. If agreement is achieved, the contract is prepared and ratified by the union membership. If not, negotiations continue or reach impasse, which may result in a strike or lockout. At this point, conciliation or arbitration is sought to resolve the impasse.
Explain important factors in contract administration.
The terms of the agreement must be communicated to employees and implemented by both parties. Both unions and employers monitor the effect of the contract on all parties. When employee grievances occur, a resolution process stipulated by the contract is followed to resolution.
Explain the reasons that workers join unions.
Union members typically receive higher wages and better benefits than nonunion workers. Unions also have contract terms that give workers greater job security and influence over work rules. Union security arrangements may require membership for workers.
List important current issues facing unions.
Declining union membership, developing cooperation between unions and employers, stronger public‐sector unions are important current issues.
