Union Democracy and Effectiveness Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a key reason why union democracy contributes to the effectiveness of unions?

  • It eliminates the need for collective bargaining.
  • It ensures all workers have equal pay.
  • It increases member participation in decision-making. (correct)
  • It reduces the influence of union officials.
  • The Rand formula requires employees to join the union.

    False (B)

    What is the main advantage of members being involved in the operation of the union?

    Member involvement helps to identify future leaders and fosters greater commitment to the union's goals.

    A ______ requires new employees to join the union after a probation period.

    <p>union shop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the union security arrangements with their descriptions:

    <p>Closed shop = Membership in the union is a condition of employment. Union shop = New employees must join the union after a probation period. Rand formula = Employees do not have to join the union but all employees must pay union dues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Legislation aimed at ensuring labor standards is increasingly less relevant for younger workers who are often employed in part-time or low-end jobs.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name three key perspectives on why unions exist.

    <p>Economic, Political, Human rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of craft or occupational unionism?

    <p>Representation of all workers in a firm, regardless of skill or occupation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The vision of ______ unionism often extends beyond collective bargaining and includes social reform initiatives.

    <p>industrial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a public sector union advocating for social justice?

    <p>Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Union membership is significantly higher in the private sector compared to the public sector in Canada.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two reasons why there is a growing divergence between Canadian and American union density?

    <p>Public policy is more supportive of unions in Canada compared to the US. The process of union certification is significantly different in the two countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a union local steward?

    <p>Negotiating collective bargaining agreements on behalf of the local. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following union structures with their respective function:

    <p>Union Local = Typically represents workers at a specific work site or within a geographical area. Parent Unions = Coordinate bargaining activities, provide support during strikes, and organize new locals. Labour Federations = Represent the Canadian labor movement politically and provide research and organizing assistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most Canadian union locals are affiliated with ______ unions, providing them with additional resources and support.

    <p>parent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is an example of an international union federation.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain why union affiliation is considered beneficial for unions seeking to advance a broad social agenda.

    <p>Joining forces through affiliations allows unions to pool resources, enhance their bargaining power, and effectively advocate for broader social changes benefiting all workers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key decision-making authority for union members as part of their democratic structures?

    <p>Negotiating individual employment contracts with employers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Variations in union density across Canadian provinces are mainly attributed to the age and education levels of the workforce.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The existence of ______ unionism can lead to competition between unions to represent workers in the same sector.

    <p>dual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe how Canadian union structure operates in a decentralized fashion.

    <p>Canadian unions are generally fragmented into many smaller unions, with decision-making power concentrated at the local level. This decentralized structure can sometimes lead to competition between unions but also promotes greater local autonomy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a business agent employed by a union local?

    <p>Acting as chief negotiation spokesperson. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key convention concerning freedom of association and protection of the right to organize?

    <p>Convention 105, Abolition of Forced Labour (1957) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Canada has ratified Convention 87, Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organize (1948).

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of Human Rights/Equity Legislation?

    <p>To prevent discrimination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ is a system that compensates victims of workplace accidents or work-induced illness and covers related medical costs.

    <p>Workers Compensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following employment rights or conditions with their corresponding descriptions:

    <p>Employment Conditions = Minimums established in legislation (e.g., hours of work, overtime, minimum wages) Employment Rights = Rights determined through collective bargaining that build on minimum employment conditions Individual Employment Contract = Non-unionized workers covered under individual employment contracts, often unwritten, governed by common law principles Implied Terms and Obligations = Breach of these terms may be justification for dismissal, employers are expected to act professionally and in good faith when dismissing employees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What legislation applies to almost every aspect of the employment relationship?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Non-unionized workers are always covered by written employment contracts.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are three options for non-union employees who have been unjustly dismissed?

    <ol> <li>Action under employment standards legislation, 2. Common law through courts, 3. Action through legislation such as Unjust Dismissal in Federal jurisdiction.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    In 2001, UFCW challenged the repeal of the ______ in Ontario.

    <p>Agricultural Labour Relations Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a target group for Employment Equity legislation?

    <p>Immigrants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pay equity is based on the principle of equal pay for equal work.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main prevention methods for workplace health and safety?

    <ol> <li>External system where standards are established legislatively, 2. Internal system with joint management, which requires formation of health and safety committees with equal labor and management membership.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    ______ is a legal defense that allows employers to legally discriminate.

    <p>Bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the joint health and safety committees?

    <p>Providing advice and information on health and safety issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Workers' compensation is a system that holds employers responsible for negligence in causing workplace accidents.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain how employment legislation and labour relations legislation intersect.

    <p>Employment legislation and labour relations legislation intersect by providing the legal framework for the employment relationship. Employment legislation establishes minimum conditions of employment, while labour relations legislation governs the rights and responsibilities of unions and employers in collective bargaining. Both areas of law work together to ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of both employees and employers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of government in Canada has jurisdiction over federally-regulated businesses?

    <p>Federal government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The attitudes and beliefs regarding unions only depend on an individual's family background.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 13 subsystems in Canada related to industrial relations primarily influenced by?

    <p>The political parties’ perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The social context of industrial relations relates primarily to the goals and values of society regarding __________ of workers.

    <p>unionization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following contexts of industrial relations with their descriptions:

    <p>Political context = Involves legislation reflecting political party perspectives Social context = Relates to society's views on unionization Economic context = Affects compensation and labor costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one role of governments in industrial relations?

    <p>To provide programs supporting preferred labor practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Economic conditions have no significant impact on the outcomes of industrial relations systems.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influences individuals' attitudes, values, and beliefs about unions?

    <p>Background, life experiences, and political orientation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a Labour Board?

    <p>To regulate and enforce labor laws, ensuring compliance by both management and unions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A union can be decertified if a majority of employees vote to no longer be represented by the union.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a 'community of interest' when defining a bargaining unit?

    <p>A community of interest ensures that employees within a bargaining unit share similar economic interests, making them suitable for collective representation by a union.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The obligation of a union to represent all its members equally and without discrimination is known as the ______.

    <p>Duty of Fair Representation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key concept of legislation and collective bargaining?

    <p>Union Certification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'statutory freeze' during negotiations prevents employers from making any business decisions related to employment terms and conditions.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following provinces with their replacement worker laws during strikes or lockouts:

    <p>Quebec and B.C. = Outright ban Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta = Prohibits the use of professional strike-breakers Manitoba, PEI, and Saskatchewan = Prevents replacement workers from permanently replacing employees Federal = Prevents the use of replacement workers when their purpose is to undermine the union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'First Contract Arbitration' and when is it used?

    <p>First Contract Arbitration is a third-party intervention where an arbitrator helps negotiate a collective agreement when the parties are unable to do so after the first agreement has expired.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Labour Trilogy' of 1987 challenged the existing labour laws related to the right to strike, wage controls, and back-to-work laws.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason for a union to be decertified?

    <p>A majority of employees are satisfied with management and no longer wish to be unionized. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Labour Board can enforce remedies if allegations of ______ are proven.

    <p>unfair labour practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 'Peace Obligation' in collective bargaining legislation?

    <p>The 'Peace Obligation' prohibits strikes and lockouts during the life of a collective agreement, maintaining labor peace and stability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has significantly limited the power of provinces in regulating labour relations.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ Commission investigates the causes and consequences of industrial actions and strikes.

    <p>Industrial Inquiry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key aspect of 'good faith bargaining' in the context of labor legislation?

    <p>Both parties must sincerely attempt to negotiate a collective agreement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Human rights legislation applies to collective agreements, ensuring that they do not violate relevant laws.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A ______ is a group of employees eligible for representation by a union.

    <p>bargaining unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During periods of strong product demand, what impact does the cost of strike action have on employers?

    <p>Employers face a higher cost due to lost sales and potential customer loss. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The business cycle directly influences the bargaining power of both employers and unions.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are three major trends within Canada's labor force?

    <p>The aging of the workforce, Increased participation of women and ethnic minorities, The rapid growth of non-standard employment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The removal of mandatory retirement restrictions has led to a ______ in the proportion of workers aged 45-64 in the working-age population.

    <p>rise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following labor force trends with their associated impacts:

    <p>The aging of the workforce = Potential skill shortages and wage increases Increased participation of women = Need for daycare and flexible work schedules Rapid growth of non-standard employment = Challenges in labor relations and employee benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Industrial Dispute Investigations Act (IDIA) of 1907 primarily aimed at suppressing union organizing efforts.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Sinder Case (1925) in Canadian labor relations?

    <p>The case determined that labor matters fall under the jurisdiction of provincial governments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key objectives of Canadian labor legislation?

    <p>To protect the rights and interests of both employers and employees. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Decentralization in Canadian labor legislation promotes uniformity across provinces.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The principle of ______ in Canadian labor relations requires a majority vote to determine outcomes such as union certification.

    <p>majoritarianism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key balance required in the principle of exclusive representation?

    <p>Balancing the union's right to represent all employees with the obligation to represent them fairly, regardless of their union membership.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a dispute resolution process outlined in Canadian collective bargaining legislation?

    <p>Strikes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    First contract arbitration is an exception to the typical processes outlined in Canadian collective bargaining.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Unions are sometimes certified with less than a majority vote in cases where ______ practices have taken place.

    <p>unfair labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of setting ground rules in negotiations?

    <p>To establish a clear framework and control the process, ensuring a fair and productive negotiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of negotiations, what does establishing ground rules provide?

    <p>A greater sense of control and fairness in the negotiation process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Jurisdiction in Labour Relations

    The authority of provinces and federal government to regulate labour relations within their respective domains.

    Industrial Relations Subsystems

    The 13 distinct systems in Canada that manage labour relations, each with unique characteristics but similar ideologies.

    Political Influence on Labour Rights

    Legislation reflects political party perspectives on workers' rights and management power.

    Government's Role in Industrial Relations

    Governments create policies affecting all public sector workers and influence industry practices.

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    Social Context in Industrial Relations

    Societal values and beliefs about unions and worker rights that vary based on individual backgrounds.

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    Influence of Background on Union Attitudes

    An individual's life experiences and political orientation shape their attitudes towards unions.

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    Economic Context of Industrial Relations

    The economic environment determines the effectiveness of workers and unions in negotiating compensation.

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    Legal Constraints in Industrial Relations

    The legal framework that limits and guides the actions of unions and management in labor negotiations.

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    Business Cycle

    The fluctuations in economic activity over time, dictating employer-union dynamics.

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    Demand and Unemployment

    High product demand leads to low unemployment, affecting strike costs.

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    Bargaining Power

    The relative strength of employers versus unions in negotiations.

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    Labour Force

    Individuals aged 15 and over who are actively employed or seeking work.

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    Aging Workforce

    Increasing percentage of older workers (45-64) in the labor market.

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    Women's Participation

    Growth in women’s employment and union membership since the 1950s.

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    Ethnic Minorities in Workforce

    Recent immigrants face barriers like foreign experience devaluation.

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    Non-Standard Employment

    Jobs outside traditional full-time contracts, like part-time and self-employment.

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    Ground Rules in Negotiation

    Set standards for negotiations to balance power dynamics.

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    Historical Union Recognition

    Unions received legal status in Canada through the Trade Union Act of 1872.

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    The Sinder Case

    A 1925 court ruling placing labor disputes under provincial jurisdiction.

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    P.C. 1003

    1944 legislation mirroring the U.S. Wagner Act for labor rights.

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    Majoritarianism

    The principle where the majority defines outcomes in labor negotiations.

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    Canadian Legislation Features

    Consists of multiple acts, with both federal and provincial domains.

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    Voluntarism

    A process in Canadian labor relations that outlines negotiation procedures.

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    Union Democracy

    The system allowing union members to express opinions and vote on decisions.

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    Benefits of Union Democracy

    Enhances effectiveness, member implementation, and union identification.

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    Limitations of Union Democracy

    Union officials may prioritize power over member needs in decision-making.

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    Union Security Types

    Different forms of union membership requirements: closed shop, union shop, Rand formula.

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    Safeguards in Union Democracy

    Measures like member voting and constitutions protect members' rights.

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    Union Dues

    Fees collected from union members to support union activities, including political causes.

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    Picketing

    Organizing a demonstration to protest working conditions or employer policies, often outside the workplace.

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    Union Recognition

    The process by which an employer acknowledges a union as the representative of its employees.

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    Political Activity in Unions

    Engagement of unions in political issues, advocating for rights and policies affecting workers.

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    Freedom of Association

    The right of individuals to join or form groups, including unions, without interference.

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    Collective Bargaining

    Negotiation process between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements on working conditions.

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    Statutory Regulation of Employment

    Laws governing minimum employment conditions, which vary by jurisdiction.

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    Implied Terms in Employment

    Unwritten rules in employment contracts that both employers and employees are expected to follow.

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    Termination Rights

    Proxy rights regarding job termination and the legal processes involved, applicable differently for unionized vs. non-unionized workers.

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    Bona Fide Occupational Requirement

    Conditions under which employers may legally discriminate based on specific job needs.

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    Pay Equity

    The principle of equal pay for work of equal value, aiming to eliminate gender wage gaps.

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    Employment Equity

    Policies aimed at promoting the hiring of underrepresented groups in the workplace.

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    Workers Compensation

    Insurance program that compensates employees for work-related injuries or illnesses, typically on a no-fault basis.

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    Health and Safety Legislation

    Laws requiring employers to ensure workers’ safety and health in the workplace through prevention and compensation.

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    Joint Health and Safety Committees

    Groups made up of worker and management representatives to oversee workplace safety issues and initiatives.

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    Union Purposes

    Unions exist for economic, political, and human rights reasons.

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    Craft Unionism

    Unions that represent specific trades with similar skills.

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    Business Unionism

    Focus on economic gains through collective bargaining.

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    Industrial Unionism

    Unions representing a broad range of workers across many skills.

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    Public Sector Unionism

    Unions for government employees advocating for social justice.

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    Union Membership Trends

    Women are increasingly joining unions and public sector is more unionized.

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    Union Density

    The percentage of union members in the workforce.

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    Canadian Union Structure

    Operates in a decentralized way with many small unions.

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    Union Local

    A local group that includes workers from a specific site or area.

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    Parent Unions

    Larger unions that local unions are affiliated with for support.

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    Labour Federations

    Organizations that represent unions politically at various levels.

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    International Unions

    Unions with headquarters outside Canada, often in the U.S.

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    Union Affiliation

    Unions join together at different levels to increase their influence.

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    Labour Boards

    Government-established bodies ensuring adherence to labor laws by both unions and management.

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    Certification

    Process of recognizing a union as the legal bargaining agent for a group of employees.

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    Bargaining Unit

    Group of employees eligible to be represented by a union.

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    Decertification

    Process through which a union loses its certification and legal representation rights.

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    Unfair Labour Practices

    Violations of labor relations laws by employers, unions, or employees that intimidate or interfere.

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    Duty of Fair Representation

    Union's legal obligation to represent all members in a non-discriminatory manner.

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    Good Faith Bargaining

    Obligation for union and management to sincerely negotiate collective agreements.

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    Dispute Resolution

    Legislation that allows for government intervention in resolving collective bargaining disputes.

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    Mid-Term Strikes or Lockouts

    Prohibition of strikes/lockouts during the term of a collective agreement.

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    First Contract Arbitration

    Third-party intervention requested if parties can’t agree on the first collective agreement.

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    Replacement Worker Laws

    Laws governing management's ability to hire replacement workers during strikes/lockouts.

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    Charter's Role

    Ensures labor laws align with the Canadian Constitution, affecting labor-management relations.

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    The Labour Trilogy

    Set of court cases challenging labor laws that limited worker's rights in the 1980s.

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    Statutory Freeze

    Suspension of employment terms during negotiation efforts for a collective agreement.

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    Illegal Strikes or Lockouts

    Strikes or lockouts deemed unlawful under specific conditions, as per labor laws.

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    Study Notes

    Political Context of Industrial Relations

    • Canadian provinces manage labour relations, except federally-regulated businesses and federal employees.
    • Canada has 13 industrial relations subsystems with similar ideologies and contextual influences.
    • Each jurisdiction creates and enforces labour laws reflecting the political party's stance on worker protections and the balance between labour and management.
    • Governments implement policies affecting all public and quasi-public sector workers, influencing values and supporting specific industrial relations practices.
    • Governments manage broader social, economic, and constitutional policies shaping the industrial relations environment.

    Social Context of Industrial Relations

    • Societal attitudes towards unionization, union roles, and worker/employer rights vary based on backgrounds, life experiences, and political leanings.
    • These social factors are interconnected and influence each other.
    • The degree of social subsystem impact on IR outcomes independent of other contexts is debatable.

    Economic Context of IR

    • The economic environment strongly affects IR outcomes regarding worker compensation and employer cost control.
    • Factors such as product demand directly affect bargaining power and the potential costs of strikes.

    Business Dynamics

    • Strong product demand leads to low unemployment, decreasing strike actions' cost to employers and increasing their cost to unions.
    • Conversely, low product demand and higher unemployment increase strike action costs for employers, decreasing them for unions.
    • The business cycle affects bargaining power but doesn't dictate strikes—parties consider economic factors during negotiations.
    • Significant decline in primary industries (agriculture, forestry, fisheries) and manufacturing.
    • Conversely, service sector employment growth.
    • Key trends include aging workforces, increased women and minority participation, and a rise in non-standard employment.

    2015 Labour Force Data

    • Workers aged 45-64 comprised 48% of the working-age population.
    • Removal of mandatory retirement and baby boomers' retirement leads to skills shortages and rising wages.

    Women's Labour Force Participation

    • Steady increase since the 1950s.
    • Key implications include needed daycare, work-life balance policies, and flexible scheduling.

    Ethnic Minorities and Labour Force Participation

    • Face barriers like devaluation of foreign experience and difficulty equating foreign credentials to Canadian standards.

    Non-Standard Employment

    • Encompasses various forms like self-employment, part-time, and contract work.
    • Part-time and self-employment increase as a proportion of total employment, posing challenges for all IR stakeholders.

    Class Five: Negotiation Ground Rules

    • Establishing ground rules, like smoking breaks during meetings, gives negotiators power.

    Historical Perspective

    • Unions gained legal recognition in 1872.
    • Faced opposition from hostile employers.
    • The Industrial Dispute Investigations Act (1907) aimed for an orderly union recognition mechanism.
    • The Sinder Case (1925) determined labour issues were under provincial jurisdiction.
    • P.C. 1003 (1944) was Canada's version of the U.S. Wagner Act.

    The Need for Regulation

    • Importance of balancing worker and employer rights and interests.
    • Maintaining labor-management stability, providing worker input.

    Features of Canadian Labour Legislation

    • Decentralized system with provincial and federal oversight.
    • Numerous provincial and federal laws.
    • Decentralization promotes innovation and change.

    Majoritarianism and Exclusivity

    • Majority determines outcomes in union representation.
    • Unions bargain for financial security.
    • Exclusive representation protects all employees but requires fair and equal representation.

    Voluntarism and Process

    • Canadian laws regulate processes like dispute resolution, impacting outcomes.
    • Certain exceptions exist, e.g., first-contract arbitration and certification of unions with less than majority support in unfair labor practice cases.

    Union Recognition

    • Labor boards, government-created entities, ensure management and unions adhere to labor laws.
    • Facilitates organizing and collective bargaining, regulates internal union activities.
    • Makes declarations regarding industrial disputes, including certification and decertification, and rulings on illegal strikes and lockouts.

    Certification

    • Unions apply to become bargaining agents.
    • Applications include bargaining unit descriptions and member lists; applications may require waiting if another union is involved.
    • Boards certify or reject union status following the appropriate legal process.

    Bargaining Unit Definition

    • Defines the group of employees a union can represent.
    • Excludes management and labour relations personnel.
    • Employee desires for unit separation and merger are considered.
    • Employer structure is a factor.

    Decertification

    • Unions can lose their recognition through abandonment, employer shutdown, fraud, or a majority of members no longer supporting the union.

    Unfair Labour Practices

    • Violations of labour relations acts by employers, unions, or employees, often involving coercion or intimidation pertaining to union membership.
    • Labour boards impose remedies based on proven violations.

    Duty of Fair Representation

    • Unions' legal obligation to represent all members fairly without discrimination.

    Legislation & Collective Bargaining

    • Good-faith bargaining: Crucial requirement for negotiation.
    • Dispute resolution: Government intervention is a norm in Canadian collective bargaining.
    • No mid-term strikes or lockouts: “Peace obligation” during collective agreement terms, with limited exceptions.
    • Statutory freeze: Employment terms and conditions are frozen during notice to bargain, except for pre-existing valid operational decisions.

    Expanded Role of Government in Collective Bargaining

    • Industrial Inquiry Commissions examine causes and results of disputes.
    • Last-Offer Votes: Forced votes are sometimes compulsory.
    • First-Contract Arbitration: Third-party intervention settles first collective agreement negotiations.
    • Replacement Workers: Certain jurisdictions outlaw strikebreakers permanently replacing striking workers.

    Collective Agreement Administration

    • Collective agreements are impacted by various laws, upholding labor "peace".

    Role of the Charter

    • Labour remains under provincial jurisdiction.
    • Canadian constitution ensures laws respect Charter rights.
    • Key cases, such as the 1987 Labour Trilogy, and challenges related to union dues, picketing, union recognition, and union political activity explored, with court decisions demonstrating the interplay between Charter rights and union activities.

    International Law

    • Key conventions like Freedom of Association (Convention 87, ratified by Canada) and Right to Organize (Convention 98) and Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work are noted.

    Employment Conditions

    • Provincial jurisdictions (except federally regulated) set minimum employment conditions including employment standards, human rights, and occupational health and safety legislation.

    Employment Rights

    • Differentiated from employment conditions, rights are those bargained through collective bargaining.

    Individual Employment Contracts

    • Governed by common law for non-unionized workers.
    • High costs and lengthy processes associated with civil litigation.

    Implied Terms and Obligations

    • Employers must act professionally and fairly in dismissal situations.

    Termination of Individual Contracts

    • No legal right to continued employment at-will; provinces have different adjudication procedures for non-unionized workers.

    Dismissal of Non-Union Workers

    • May involve expressed or constructive dismissal.
    • Non-union workers may pursue actions under employment standards, common law, or specific legislation.
    • Reasonable notice or financial compensation are desired outcomes.

    Dismissal of Unionized Workers

    • Grievance-arbitration handles unionized dismissals, with the burden of proof on the employer.
    • Robust protection against arbitrary dismissal.

    Human Rights/Equity Legislation

    • Prevents discrimination, however, Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQs) do exist (pilot vision, firefighter physicality).
    • Applies to all hiring process stages, on-the-job conduct.

    Pay Equity

    • Aims to address gender pay discrepancies by comparing work value based on skill, effort, responsibility, and conditions.

    Employment Equity

    • Aims to address imbalances in occupational segregation.
    • Target groups include women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and visible minorities.
    • Encourages positive employment practices, goals, and progress monitoring.

    Health and Safety Legislation

    • Two fundamental approaches: preventing incidents and compensating for workplace injuries.
    • External systems mandate safety standards.
    • Internal systems mandate jointly-managed health and safety committees with equal labor and management membership.

    Workers' Compensation

    • A no-fault system compensating victims of on-the-job injuries or illnesses.
    • Employers contribute to funds based on their firms and safety records.

    Effectiveness of Legislation

    • Increasingly vital to younger, part-time, or lower-wage workers.
    • Provides basic equity, but adequacy and enforcement can be a concern.

    Union Purposes and Philosophies

    • Three primary perspectives (economic, political, human rights) inform union motivations.
    • Key elements in a union's definition include collective bargaining and independence from the employer.
    • Union philosophies range from craft/occupational unionism to industrial/multi-skill, public sector, and social justice.
    • Various categories of unions exist, including those with explicit social justice mandates, Christian labor associations.

    Union Organization and Structure

    • Changing union membership – growing unionization of women, shifts by sector and employee type.
    • Differences between Canadian and American union density.
    • Canadian union structure—decentralized; a large number of small unions.

    The Union Local

    • Represents members at a specific location or geographically.
    • May employ business agents to negotiate and represent members.
    • Composed of elected officials like presidents, vice-presidents, treasurers, stewards, who are often part of the workers' workforce.
    • Stewards' roles involve investigating complaints, representing members in hearings, and recruiting new members.

    Parent Unions and Labour Federations

    • Most locals are affiliated with parent unions, offering bargaining, grievance, support during disputes, and organizing assistance.
    • Labour federations—municipal, provincial, and national—represent the labour movement politically.
    • Provide research, organizing, relations management, ethical code enforcement, and international representation.

    International Unions

    • More autonomy than in the past.
    • Primarily US-based, but increasingly national focus.

    Union Democracy

    • Unions are inherently political, with a focus on staying in power.
    • Union officials wield greater influence, and member interests may be subordinated to union priorities during collective bargaining and strikes.
    • Safeguards exist to mitigate limitations include encouragement of member participation, member-elected officers, and legislative protection (union constitutions and strike ballots).

    Union Security

    • Different types, including closed shops, union shops, and the Rand formula (dues check-off system).

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the role of union democracy in enhancing union effectiveness. Explore various aspects of union membership, security arrangements, and the perspectives on union existence. This quiz delves into the significance of member involvement and the implications for labor standards.

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