Introduction:
In this assignment you will:
- analyse collective bargaining relationships
- document how these relationships are expressed in the terms of collective agreements, grievance/ arbitrations and strikes/lockouts.
- assess the differences and similarities between collective bargaining in the public and private sectors.
Please obtain the instructor’s approval of the two organizations you would like to research before starting work.
Instructions:
Working in a group consisting of 4 to 5 people, select two (2) Canadian organizations, one from the public sector and the other from the private sector, where there is an ongoing collective bargaining relationship and address the following:
1. Provide a description of the employers in terms of:
• Industry/sector
• Organization/institution size
• Range of products/services
• Competitive business environment
• Record of performance
• Organizational culture
• Management style
• Organizational structure (please provide an organizational chart)
• Anything else you believe to be relevant
2. Provide a description of the unions in terms of:
• The type of union
• The type of workers it organizes
• Scope of operations
• International linkages
• Financial strength
• Militancy
• Type of leadership
• Organizational structure (please provide an organizational chart)
• Political linkages
• Record of performance
• Anything else you believe to be relevant

3. Obtain and review the current collective agreements and report your findings and observations on the following items for each agreement (this does not mean copy and paste what is in the agreement…it means to include what is in the agreement, but also your thoughts/observations about what you find also) :
• The duration of the agreement
• Management rights
• Provisions on wage rates
• Provisions on seniority
• Provisions on union security (membership requirements, dues, union stewards, time for union business, use of employer facilities etc.)
• Provisions on discipline
• Provisions on arbitration
• Provisions on downsizing/layoffs in general
• Provisions on downsizing/layoffs due to technological changes
• Any special provisions that you find either interesting or surprising
Hand in electronic copies of both collective agreements with your assignment.
Many collective agreements are available on-line. In addition, copies of provincially regulated collective agreements are available through the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Please visit the Ministry website at http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/lr/cbis.html for more information.
4 Interview representatives of management and union officials to determine the state of labour relations within the two organizations. The following key questions should be regarded as a minimum requirement.
• What are the key issues?
• Why are they important?
• Have there been labour conflicts/strikes (major/ minor) within the last ten years?
• If these workers are not allowed to strike, how are interest disputes resolved?
• If there have been labour/ conflicts/strikes (major/ minor) within the last ten years, what were the sources of the conflicts?
• How common are grievances?
• What types of grievances are the most common?
• Why is this case?
• Anything else about the organization(s) of interest to your group?
NOTE:
If you are unable to interview both management and union representatives, you should then complete a search of the business press for information about the company/ organization and its labour relations. Usually companies/ organizations with significant problems have articles written about them. You should be able to connect the issues you identify in section 4 back to information you have reported in sections 1-3. For example, we might expect an employer facing significant competition in their respective industry or budget pressures to attempt to reduce their labour costs by restricting wages and/or making greater use of technology.
5. Compare and contrast the two organizations in terms of items 1 to 4 above. What are the key similarities and differences between the two? Why do you think these might exist? Comment on anything that you found interesting or surprising.
(This is a very important part of your report)
6. Assess and analyze what you found. What are the key issues in each organization? Are there discrepancies between what you found/ believe and what you were told? What is your overall assessment of labour relations in theses organizations? You should provide evidence supporting your conclusions.
(This is a very important part of your report)
Evaluation criteria:
• A proper cover page
• Table of contents
• Typewritten, presented error free in a form acceptable for business and professional purposes
• Organized and presented in a logical sequential order;
• An introduction that clearly states the purpose of your report.
• Instructions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) are followed;
• A detailed conclusion that sums up what you found and your assessment of it
• Approximate length: 10 pages; Include your interview notes, and other documents in an appendix and not in the body of your report.
• Marks: 20%
• Due: February 20, 2018
Late Assignments:
Late assignments may be accepted under extenuating circumstances and with the permission of the instructor. If you believe you will be unable to meet the deadline, Please discuss this with the instructor prior to the due date. Once this assignment is marked and returned to the class, no further late submissions will be acceptable.