Labor Relations Process

This lesson explores how unions, employers, and the relationship between the two have changed over time. To fully understand modern employment relations, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of contemporary unions and employers. This includes their fundamental purposes, their objectives vis-a-vis each other, their organizational structure and governance, the strategies they employ, and the constraints under which they operate.

This lesson will examine these two parties in some depth, providing the background necessary to understand how each functions in the labor-management relationship.

Lesson Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

• Describe the origins of the labor movement and why workers have historically attempted to form unions
• Explain the role of the government in the development of labor history
• Identify the major events, leaders and organizations in labor history
• Identify the accomplishments of employee efforts to organize
• Explain how labor history impacts the current labor relations process in the United States
• State the lessons we can take from labor history and apply to today

Labor Relations. Striking a Balance. Budd, John W., McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 6^th edition (2021). ISBN 9781260260502, Chapter 2

Other Reading

• Morantz, A. D. (2013). Coal mine safety: Do unions make a difference?. ILR Review, 66(1), 88-116.
• Mishel, L. R., & Walters, M. (2003). How unions help all workers. Economic Policy Institute.
• Freeman, R. B., Han, E., Madland, D., & Duke, B. V. (2015). Bargaining for the American dream: What unions do for mobility. Center for American Progress.

In a brief essay of a minimum of 500 words, address the following:

As you consider the outcomes we have seen for workers and the macroeconomy as the power of unions have waxed and waned, think about the assumptions and arguments of the four schools of thought. Draw on this evidence to test these assumptions and hypotheses. Using the flowchart in Figure 2.5 of the Budd text as a guide, which school of thought do you believe is the most appropriate? What is the role of the labor movement under this school?

Also, write 2 Short Essays 200-250 words each (50 points each)

1. Describe the Labor Relations Process and all of the various stakeholders in this process.
2. What are the goals of the labor relations process? Why is each goal important?  How might these goals at times be in conflict?