The Dynamics of Labor Relations
Chapter
14
This chapter provides a thorough overview of labor relations by focusing on these areas: (1)
the history of unions and the major labor relations laws; (2) the reasons employees join
Chapter Outline
GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF LABOR RELATIONS
Railway Labor Act
THE LABOR RELATIONS PROCESS
Why Employees Unionize
Union Avoidance Practices
Organizing Campaigns
STRUCTURES, FUNCTIONS, AND LEADERSHIP OF LABOR UNIONS
Structure and Functions of the AFL-CIO
Structure and Functions of National Unions
Structure and Functions of Local Unions
Union Leadership Commitment and Philosophies
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LABOR RELATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
THE BARGAINING PROCESS
Preparing for Negotiations
Resolving Bargaining Deadlocks
THE LABOR AGREEMENT
The Issue of Management Rights
Union Security Agreements
ADMINISTRATION OF THE LABOR AGREEMENT
Negotiated Grievance Procedures
CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES TO LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
Decrease in Union Membership
Globalization and Technological Change
Generating Interest
1. Break students into discussion groups to work through the “Highlights in HRM 1”
Dealing with Trouble Spots
Because students typically know very little about unions or employee associations, assign
HRM 1 “Test Your Labor Relations Know–How.” This assignment will provide a good basis
for their understanding the topics covered in the chapter. Note the following about the two
major sites where information for this assignment can be gathered.
1. According to www.afl–cio.org, the AFL–CIO has 10.5 million members through its 56
2. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which disaffiliated itself from the AFL-CIO
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Involving Students
1. Based on the first page of the chapter, ask students in which camp they fall regarding
their opinion of U.S. labor organizations:
2. You may want to consider using the On the Job: Video Clip for this chapter to
generate interest and launch a discussion. See the Instructor’s Resource Guide for
answers to the video case discussion questions.
Alternatively, you could assign a specific film from the list below to a group and
ask for a complete analysis of the film. The following are some possibilities: