Unions & Labour Legislation

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary reason for the collapse of the Knights of Labor?

  • Poor strike support and adaptability. (correct)
  • Lack of government recognition.
  • Exclusion of skilled workers.
  • Emphasis on political reform over economic gains.

The Privy Council Order 1003 (1944 – Canada) included a 'good faith' bargaining requirement, similar to the Wagner Act.

False (B)

Define 'surface bargaining' and provide one example of it, as understood in the context of labor negotiations.

Surface bargaining is pretending to bargain without the intent to reach an agreement. An example is making proposals that are designed to be rejected.

Under the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA), bargaining rights can be acquired through voluntary recognition, where the union and employer ______, or through certification, where the union applies to the ______.

<p>agree, OLRB</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each model of public sector bargaining with its description:

<p>Single Sector Model = One law applies to both public and private sectors. Industry Specific Model = Different laws are tailored for different public sectors. Combination Model = A mix of private and public sector rules is applied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows for the most explicit protection of the right to strike and bargain collectively?

<p>s.2(d): Freedom to associate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 'no-board' report must be issued before a strike or lockout can legally occur.

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

Explain the 'narcotic effect' in the context of interest arbitration and its potential negative impact on collective bargaining.

<p>The 'narcotic effect' refers to parties becoming overly reliant on arbitrators to resolve disputes, which can undermine their ability to negotiate agreements independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In rights arbitration, the ______ has the burden of proof in discipline cases, while the ______ has the burden of proof in other types of cases.

<p>employer, union</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each step in the grievance process with its description:

<p>Informal Complaint = Initial attempt to resolve the issue informally. Written Grievance = Formal submission of the grievance in writing. Steps to Resolve = A series of meetings and discussions to address the grievance. Arbitration = Final and binding resolution by a neutral third party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a 'statutory freeze' in the context of labor relations?

<p>A restriction preventing an employer from altering conditions of employment while a union is seeking certification or negotiating a new agreement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mediation occurs before a 'no-board' report is issued.

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

Explain the role of demonstrated need in arbitral criteria during interest arbitration.

<p>Demonstrated need in arbitral criteria involves the party showing evidence of changes that warrant adjustments in wages or benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Week 4, Section ______ of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, also known as the notwithstanding clause, allows the government to override certain rights.

<p>33</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions within the context of labor negotiations:

<p>Final Offer Vote = A vote called by the government or employer on the final offer. Sidebar Discussions = Private talks between negotiators outside of formal sessions. Conciliation = Government-appointed officer helps negotiate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be considered 'bad faith bargaining'?

<p>Refusing to provide relevant financial information that is pertinent to the bargaining process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Craft unions typically included unskilled workers, women, and racial minorities in their membership.

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

What are the four mandatory bargaining issues that must be in every collective agreement?

<p>The four mandatory bargaining issues that must be in every collective agreement are: Recognition Clause, Grievance &amp; Arbitration Procedure, No Strike / No Lockout Clause, and Duration of Agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Week 12 states the three pillars of Government intervention are: Third Party in Bargaining, ______, and ______

<p>Direct Legislation, Economic Regulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following arbitration concepts to their respective descriptions:

<p>Comparability = Analyzing what other similar employers have agreed to. Replication = Emulating agreements the parties would likely have reached on their own. Incrementalism = Making small, step-by-step changes to existing terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Wagner Act (1935 – USA) achieve?

<p>Banned unfair labor practices and required good faith bargaining. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Expedited arbitration (s.49) involves a more extensive process with more steps compared to traditional arbitration.

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

Describe what is meant by a 'chilling effect' in the context of labor negotiations.

<p>A 'chilling effect' refers to a situation where parties do not negotiate seriously, often because of the anticipated outcome of arbitration or government intervention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The two types of time limits, mentioned from Week 10, for grievances are ______ and ______

<p>Mandatory, Directory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following steps in preparing for bargaining with their correct description:

<p>Evaluate past agreements = Review the successes and shortcomings of previous collective agreements to inform current negotiations. Form a bargaining team = Assemble a team with assigned roles to represent the union or employer during negotiations. Set union/employer goals = Establish clear objectives for the negotiation process to prioritize key issues and desired outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Craft Unions

Skilled male workers, excluding women, racial minorities, and immigrants.

Knights of Labor

An inclusive union, it eventually collapsed due to poor strike support and adaptability.

Wagner Act (1935 – USA)

U.S. act providing the right to unionize, union representation, bans on unfair labor practices and requiring good faith bargaining

Privy Council Order 1003 (1944 – Canada)

Canadian order similar to the Wagner Act, but without the "good faith" requirement and not applicable to the public sector.

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Bad Faith Bargaining

Bargaining without sincerity or intent to reach an agreement.

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Single Sector Bargaining Model

One law governs both public and private sectors.

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Industry Specific Bargaining Model

Different laws apply to different public sectors.

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Combination Bargaining Model

A mix of private/public rules.

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Voluntary Recognition

Union & employer agree to recognize the union.

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Certification

The union applies to the OLRB, and employer approval is not needed.

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Recognition Clause

Specifies who is covered by the union.

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Grievance & Arbitration Procedure

Required by OLRA s.48.

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No Strike / No Lockout Clause

Prohibits strikes/lockouts during the agreement term.

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Duration of Agreement

Specifies the agreement's beginning and end dates.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.1

Rights can be limited if justified by law.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.2(b)

Freedom of expression.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.2(c)

Right to peacefully assemble.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.2(d)

Freedom to associate, including joining unions, striking, and bargaining.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.15

Equality rights; no discrimination.

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Charter of Rights & Freedoms: s.33

A government can override some rights.

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Conciliation

A government-appointed officer helps negotiate.

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Mediation

Similar to conciliation; but after a “no-board” report.

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Sidebar Discussions

Private talks between negotiators.

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Final Offer Vote

A government or employer calls a vote on the final offer.

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Narcotic Effect

Parties rely too much on arbitrators.

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Study Notes

Early Unions & Labour Legislation

  • Craft Unions consisted of skilled male workers like carpenters and masons, but excluded women, racial minorities, and immigrants
  • The Knights of Labour included more workers; however, they collapsed because of poor strike support and adaptability

Wagner Act (1935 – USA)

  • Gave workers the right to unionize
  • Provided the right to union representation
  • Banned unfair labour practices
  • Required good faith bargaining

Privy Council Order 1003 (1944 – Canada)

  • This was the same as the Wagner Act, except with no “good faith” requirement
  • Ensured no strikes/lockouts during agreement
  • Mandated conciliation and arbitration
  • It did not apply to the public sector

Bad Faith Bargaining Examples

  • Surface bargaining (pretending to negotiate)
  • Submitting proposals that are intended to be rejected
  • Using unauthorized representatives
  • Refusing to share business information

Models of Public Sector Bargaining

  • Single Sector Model - There is one law for both the public and private sector (e.g., Saskatchewan)
  • Industry Specific Model - Laws are different for different public sectors
  • Combination Model - Combination of private/public rules (e.g., Ontario hospitals, fire)

Bargaining Rights (OLRA)

  • Voluntary Recognition applies when the union and employer agree
  • Certification occurs when the union applies to the OLRB and the employer’s approval is not needed

Mandatory Bargaining Issues

  • These issues must be addressed in every collective agreement
  • Recognition Clause - Specifies who is covered by the union
  • Grievance & Arbitration Procedure - Required by OLRA s.48
  • No Strike / No Lockout Clause - States that there will be no strikes or lockouts for the agreement's duration
  • Duration of Agreement - Specifies the start and end dates of the agreement

Charter of Rights & Freedoms

  • s.1 - Rights can be limited if justified by law
  • s.2(b) - Guarantees freedom of expression (e.g., picketing)
  • s.2(c) - Provides the right to peacefully assemble
  • s.2(d) - Freedom to associate, allowing people to join unions, strike, and bargain
  • s.15 - Ensures equality rights, preventing discrimination
  • s.33 - Allows the government to override some rights using the notwithstanding clause

Preparing for Bargaining Steps

  • Evaluate past agreements
  • Form a bargaining team (with roles)
  • Set union/employer goals
  • Consider laws and government policies
  • Review internal (e.g., grievances) and external (e.g., economy) factors
  • Get bargaining mandate
  • Cost proposals
  • Plan strategy (timing, votes, mediation)

Impasse Resolution

  • Conciliation: A government-appointed officer helps negotiate
  • Mediation: Similar to conciliation, but takes place after a "no-board" report
  • Sidebar Discussions: Private talks held between negotiators
  • Final Offer Vote: The government or employer calls a vote on the final offer
  • Strike/Lockout: Only legal if a no-board report is issued, a strike vote is passed and an essential services deal is in place

Impasse Tools

  • Industrial Inquiry Commission
  • Dispute Advisory Committee
  • Special Officer
  • Fact Finding
  • Med-Arb (mediation + arbitration)

Interest Arbitration

  • Used when strikes/lockouts aren't allowed (e.g., police, fire)
  • A neutral third party imposes agreement terms

Types of interest arbitration

  • Back to Work Legislation ends a strike and triggers arbitration
  • First Contract Arbitration (OLRA s.43) occurs if there is no agreement after certification
  • Final Offer Selection (FOS) can involve a total package, issue-by-issue decisions, or modifications by an arbitrator

Interest Arbitration Criteria

  • Comparability, what other employers have done
  • Replication, what parties would've agreed to on their own
  • Incrementalism, small, step-by-step changes
  • Total Compensation includes wages + benefits considered together
  • Demonstrated Need must show evidence for changes
  • Statutory Criteria includes the ability to pay, economy, etc

Interest Arbitration Criticisms

  • Narcotic Effect - Parties rely too much on arbitrators
  • Chilling Effect - Parties don’t negotiate seriously

Grievances & Rights Arbitration

  • Grievance - A dispute about contract interpretation or violations
  • Rights Arbitration - Final, binding decision by neutral third party
  • Grievance Process: Involves an informal complaint, a written grievance, resolution steps (1–5 steps), and arbitration

Types of Grievances

  • Individual
  • Group
  • Policy

Time Limits for Grievances

  • Mandatory time limits must be followed
  • Directory time limits are flexible and can be extended

Arbitration

  • Arbitrator’s Powers (s.48(12)) allow them to summon witnesses, set hearings, inspect the workplace, etc
  • Expedited Arbitration (s.49) is faster and skips steps
  • Burden of Proof: The union proves their case while the employer proves discipline
  • Grievance Mediation - An optional, faster process that is not for discharge cases

Government Intervention

  • Statutory Freeze: the Employer can't change conditions when a union applied for certification, or the union gave notice to bargain (1st or renewal agreement)

Pillars of Government Intervention

  • Third Party in Bargaining: The government plays an active role (e.g., education)
  • Direct Legislation: Directives regarding anti-inflation, wage freezes, and back-to-work mandates
  • Economic Regulation: Control over interest rates (monetary) and spending/taxes (fiscal)

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