Unionizing Collective Bargaining Steps in the unionization process

Unionizing & Collective Bargaining • • Steps in the unionization process Steps in collective bargaining Contract administration Grievance procedures – Unionized firms – Non-unionized firms

Steps in the Organizing Campaign

Some Facts on Elections • Generally high participation • Results favor certification about 3 to 1 when campaign is run by employees compared to professional organizers • Results favor certification where management has misled on expectations and there is no other way • Most elections are close

Organizations Without Unions • • Well trained first line supervisors Effective communication Trust Equitable compensation Safe working conditions Workplace justice Rationale for union free policy

Issues for Negotiation • Compensation & Benefits • Institutional issues – Union security – Grievance procedures • Administrative issues – Hours of work – Safety issues

The Negotiating Process • • • Preparation Selection of bargaining team Adoption of bargaining strategy Set guidelines for negotiating Plan B

Negotiation Process Union Management Initial demand point Resistance point Target point Resistance point Settlement Range Target point Initial offer

Successful Tactics in Negotiating • • Use experienced negotiators Have a wide band of limits Find common ground Take a long term perspective

Third Party Involvement • Mediation • Interest Arbitration • Final offer arbitration

Strikes • Reasons for strike – Unfair labor practices – Economic strikes • Tactic of last resort – Replacement workers – Management replacements – Costly to management and employees

Steps in Grievance Procedure

Grievance Issues • Seniority • Discipline – Progressive discipline policy: Oral warning, Written warning, Suspension , Termination • Termination – Employment at will: Employment is a contract between “free agents. ” Either party can end the relationship for any reason. – Union contracts

Termination • For cause -- Firing is hard to do! – Document, Maintain files, Clear about offense, – Train for conducting the termination interview • Layoffs & downsizing – Reasons – Organizational impact – Implications for management

Grievance Procedures in Non-Union Firms • Expertise in dispute resolution • Informed supervisory and management staff • Adjudication system • Publicity of system

Backwards & Forwards • Summing up: Today’s coverage included the organizing campaign for unionization and a look a tactics for keeping a company union free. We looked at steps in collective bargaining and negotiations as well as what happens when bargaining breaks down. Finally we discussed contract administration and grievance procedures • Looking ahead: Next time we discuss occupational safety and health.