BCEE 491-2 Lecture 2: Labour Relations in Construction

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Questions and Answers

What period is identified as the third industrial revolution?

1980s - 2000s

1960s - 1970s

1970s - 1990s (correct)

1990s - 2010s

What is the primary focus of the fourth industrial revolution?

Sustainable energy solutions

Robotics and automation

Manufacturing processes

Artificial Intelligence (correct)

What is a key responsibility of Labour Relation Boards (LRBs)?

Resolve disputes between customers and employers

Negotiate employment contracts

Administer and enforce industrial and labour relation legislations (correct)

Conduct criminal investigations in labour disputes

How are members of Labour Relation Boards typically appointed?

Appointed by the government upon recommendations from employers and unions Signup and view all the answers

What do collective agreements typically address?

The conditions of employment between employees and employers Signup and view all the answers

What type of offences are violations of labour relations provisions treated as?

Civil offences Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the role of craft guilds during the Middle Ages in Europe?

They ensured quality and set prices for goods and wages. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of the third industrial revolution on labor?

Militant labor movements aiming to prevent job losses Signup and view all the answers

Which invention marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th to early 19th century?

The steam engine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical role of Labour Relation Boards?

Representing one party in labor negotiations Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of the power of rulers before the 13th century?

Rulers held absolute power with no challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What socio-economic role did craft guilds serve during the Middle Ages?

To ensure the quality of workmanship and materials. Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of workers evolve during the Revolution and Invention Age?

Workers shifted from cottage industry to factory jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant social impacts of craft guilds in society?

They helped distinguish skilled craftsmen from less educated laborers. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before a strike or lock-out can take place?

There must be due notice that the action is about to take place. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of picketing during a strike?

To persuade individuals seeking to enter the premises to turn away. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can an injunction be granted?

When a dispute causes demonstrable harm to a business with a no-strike clause. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an employers’ organization to be accredited?

It must represent a majority of employers with bargaining relationships with involved unions. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a person fails to obey an injunction?

They may face contempt of court proceedings and potential penalties. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a judge play in the context of an injunction related to industrial disputes?

To review evidence and determine whether to issue an injunction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a union within the labor market?

To advance the economic and social interests of its members Signup and view all the answers

Which body must approve a union to act as a bargaining agent?

The Labor Relations Board (LRB) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can a strike or lockout legally occur?

While negotiating or renegotiating a collective agreement Signup and view all the answers

What role does a business agent serve in a local union?

To represent the union in collective bargaining negotiations Signup and view all the answers

What must a union provide to prove its legitimacy?

Proof of its membership Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a lockout?

A tactic used by employers to prevent union members from working Signup and view all the answers

What is the exclusive authority of a certified union in relation to its members?

To negotiate collective agreements on behalf of the employees' group Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant conflict of interest that arises between employers and employees?

Employers aim to maintain a non-union operation while employees seek collective bargaining rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of local unions?

They can negotiate on behalf of employees not in their area Signup and view all the answers

What document must a union issue to initiate the process of negotiating a collective agreement?

A Notice to Bargain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Developments in Industrial & Labour Relations

Ancient Times: Absolute power held by rulers; questioning authority could lead to death.
Middle Ages (13th-17th Century): Rise of Craft Guilds in Europe; guilds managed wages, working conditions, and apprenticeship training while ensuring quality and pricing.
Revolution and Invention Age (18th-19th Century): Introduction of the steam engine marked the 1st industrial revolution; workers shifted from cottage industries to factories, demanding skilled labor for new machinery; significance of Canadian history linked to British colonization post-Quebec capture in 1759.
3rd Industrial Revolution (1970s-1990s): Emergence of computers and the Internet led to increased labor militancy to protect jobs from automation.
Current (4th Industrial Revolution): Focus on AI and its transformative potential on labor and societal interactions in future contexts.

Principles of Industrial & Labour Relations

Collective Agreements: Fundamental framework governing employee-employer relations, defining employment terms through written agreements.

Labour Relation Boards (LRBs)

Established to oversee negotiation processes and ensure compliance with labour laws; violations treated as civil offences.
LRB members are appointed by the government, representing both employers and employees equally.

Union & Membership

Unions serve as collective bargaining representatives, requiring legal recognition through LRB.
Local unions formed to address specific trade needs, with business agents representing their interests in wage negotiations.

Certification Process

LRB decides legitimacy of unions for bargaining; conflict between desires for union representation and employers’ preferences for non-union operations.

Notice to Bargain

Certified unions hold exclusive rights to negotiate terms of employment and must formally notify employers when bargaining begins.

Strike & Lock-Outs

Strikes and lockouts are prohibited during active collective agreements.
Legal strikes or lockouts can occur only when specific conditions are met, including union member approval.

Picketing

Designed to garner support for strikers and persuade non-participants to abstain from entering employer premises.

Injunctions

Court orders that compel compliance or cessation of specific actions; may be sought if business operations are hindered by labor disputes.
Violating an injunction can lead to serious repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.

Accreditation

Employers’ organizations can achieve accreditation if they represent a majority of employers in negotiations with trade unions, allowing them to represent unionized employers in a specified area.

Overview of Labor Management Relations

Employees' demands include better compensation, job security, and improved working conditions.
Collective bargaining significantly affects both employees and employers, leading to formal grievance processes and enhanced group power while reducing individual bargaining power.
Management faces pressures from stakeholders which can result in changes to organizational practices and a shift in competitive posture, influencing productivity and efficiency.

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Description

Explore the historical development of industrial and labour relations specifically within the construction sector. This quiz focuses on key concepts and milestones that have shaped workforce dynamics in construction over time. Perfect for students of course BCEE 491-2/BLDG 6811-2 looking to deepen their understanding of this crucial area.