The Dynamics of Labor Relations

Identify and explain the principal federal laws that provide the framework for labor relations.

Explain the reasons employees join unions.

Describe the process by which unions organize employees and gain recognition as their bargaining agent.

Discuss the bargaining process and the bargaining goals and strategies of a union and an employer.

Differentiate the forms of bargaining power that a union and an employer may utilize to enforce their bargaining demands.

Describe a typical union grievance procedure and explain the basis for arbitration awards.

Discuss some of the contemporary challenges to labor organizations.

Test Your Labor Relations

1. An auto mechanic applied for a job with an automotive dealership. He was denied employment because of his union membership. Was the employer's action lawful? ______ Yes ______ No

2. During a labor organizing drive, supervisors questioned individual employees about their union beliefs. Was this questioning permissible? ______ Yes ______ No
3. When members of a union began wearing union buttons at work, management ordered the buttons to be removed. Was management within its rights? ______ Yes ______ No
4. While an organizing drive was under way, an employer agreed-as a social gesture-to furnish refreshments at a holiday party. Was the employer acting within the law? ______ Yes ______ No
5. A company distributed to other antiunion employers in the area a list of job applicants known to be union supporters. Was the distribution unlawful? ______ Yes ______ No
6. During a union organizing drive, the owner of Servo Pipe promised her employees a wage increase if they would vote against the union. Can the owner legally make this promise to her employees? ______ Yes ______ No

Employees have the right to file unfair labor practice charges against their employer even when the organization is nonunion. ______ Yes ______ No
8. The union wishes to arbitrate a member's grievance, which management has demonstrated is completely groundless. Must management arbitrate the grievance? ______ Yes ______ No
9. John Green, a maintenance engineer, has a poor work record. Management wishes to terminate his employment. However, Green is a union steward, and he is highly critical of the company. Can management legally discharge this employee? ______ Yes ______ No
10. During an organizing drive, an office manager expressed strong antiunion beliefs and called union officials "racketeers," "big stinkers," and a "bunch of radicals." He told employees who joined the union that they "ought to have their heads examined." Were the manager's comments legal? ______ Yes ______ No