Question
Upon completion of the Required Readings, write a thorough, well-planned narrative answer to each of the following discussion questions. Rely on your Required Readings and the Lecture and Research Update for specific information to answer each discussion question, but turn to your original thoughts when asked to apply, evaluate, analyze, or synthesize the information. Your Discussion Question responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the questions themselves. If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc. In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your responses and document in a bibliography using APA style.
Identify and describe five (5) techniques of bargaining and explain the key elements of each techniques. (A 1½-page response is required.)
Question
Profit-sharing and lump-sum provisions have increased in usage in collective bargaining agreements in recent years, while COLAs and wage reopeners have decreased in use. (A 1½-page response is required.)
Define each of these four (4) types of contract provisions.
Explain the trends described in this Discussion Question. Include three (3) union views and six (6) employee views in your response.
Question
How can negotiators reduce health care costs and maintain good health care benefits? Discuss the following methods of achieving these goals, explaining how the methods achieve these goals. (A 1½-page response is required.)
Discuss four (4) alternative providers of insurance and the types of plans.
Discuss three (3) cost-sharing provisions.
Discuss seven (7) cost-containment provisions.
Discuss two (2) ways to increase employees' general health.
Question
Seniority is a critical concept in collective bargaining. Answer the following questions related to seniority. (A 1½-page response is required.)
Why is seniority considered a critical issue?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a seniority system?
Why is seniority often used in layoff and recall actions, and how do contract clauses provide for the consideration of seniority in such decisions?