Lecture #11: Union-Management Framework (8pts)

Question 1

What is the role of labor relations boards?

Answer 1

• Administer labor relations legislation
• Investigate violations of the law
• Power to enforce unfair labor practices
• Certifies unions when employees vote in favor
  (prov & fed jurisdiction)

Question 2

What are the common elements of labor legislation in Canada?

Answer 2

• Right to join a union
• No strikes or lockouts during agreement
• No unfair labor practices
• Good-faith bargaining
• Conciliation

Question 3

How do you form a union in SK? (describe the process)

Answer 3

• Employees must start the creation
• Majority of the employee population must sign off on the authorization cards to move forward
• Labour relations board verifies cards
• Once verified, a vote is scheduled to certify the union
  Union-employers can start the process of establishing a collective agreement.

Question 4

What is in a collective agreement?

Answer 4

Contract negotiated between the union and employer outlining terms and conditions of employment such as, wages & benefits, working conditions, grievance procedures etc.

Question 5

What occurs during the collective bargaining process?

Answer 5

• Preparing for negotiations
• Negotiating with the union
• Approving the proposed agreement

Question 6

What happens if the union and the employer cannot reach an agreement during the collective bargaining process?

Answer 6

No agreement during collective bargaining? —> Conciliation & Meditation:

No strike or lockout action is permitted before a conciliation effort is made or failed. Most agreements are settled without strikes or lockouts.

Question 7

What is Conciliation & Meditation?

Answer 7

C - Government-appointed 3rd party to explore solutions
M - Neutral 3rd party to help settle labour-management dispute

Question 8

What is back-to-work legislation? (describe the process)

Answer 8

Back-to-work legislation is a law made by the government to stop a strike or lockout during a labor dispute. It makes the employees go back to work, especially when the dispute is causing big problems for essential services, the economy, or public well-being. (ex: transportation)

Question 9

What do labor boards NOT cover?

Answer 9

• For employees in a non-unionized workplace, they must contact the Employment Standards Branch for questions about rights and responsibilities
• Human rights issues such as discrimination and sexual harassment should be directed to the Human Rights Tribunal
• Help with workplace injuries reach out to the Workers Compensation board
• Federally regulated sectors must contact Human Resource & Skills Development Canada