The Three Phases of the Labor Relations Process
The labor relations process, which establishes a union-management relationship, consists of three phases: union organizing, negotiating a labor agreement, and administering the agreement.
Union Organizing
In this phase, a group of employees within a firm may form a union on their own, or an established union may target an employer and organize many of the firm’s workers into a local labor union. The union organizer tries to convince all the workers to sign authorization cards, which prove their interest in having the union represent them. Employers may resist the card-signing campaign, but it is illegal for them to interfere directly or coerce employees into not joining the union. (Lumenlearning, n.d.)
Negotiating a Labor Agreement
This phase involves collective bargaining, which is the process of negotiating a labor agreement that provides for compensation and working arrangements mutually acceptable to the union and management. Bargaining teams from both sides gather information and exchange proposals, share ideas, and mutually solve problems. The bargaining process typically involves face-to-face meetings and the exchange of written proposals, demands, counterproposals, and rounds of bargaining. The resulting contract must be approved by top management and ratified by the union members, and it covers issues such as union security, management rights, wages, benefits, and job security. (Lumenlearning, n.d.)
Administering the Agreement
The third phase involves the daily administration of the labor agreement. This includes handling worker grievances and other workforce management problems that require interaction between managers and labor union officials. (Lumenlearning, n.d.)
Conclusion
The labor relations process is a complex and dynamic one. By understanding the different phases of the process, employers and unions can work together to build a strong and productive relationship.
References
Lumenlearning. (n.d.). The Labor Relations Process. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osintrobus/chapter/the-labor-relations-process/
Key Facts
- Union Organizing:
- In this phase, a group of employees within a firm may form a union on their own, or an established union may target an employer and organize many of the firm’s workers into a local labor union.
- The union organizer tries to convince all the workers to sign authorization cards, which prove their interest in having the union represent them.
- Employers may resist the card-signing campaign, but it is illegal for them to interfere directly or coerce employees into not joining the union.
- Negotiating a Labor Agreement:
- This phase involves collective bargaining, which is the process of negotiating a labor agreement that provides for compensation and working arrangements mutually acceptable to the union and management.
- Bargaining teams from both sides gather information and exchange proposals, share ideas, and mutually solve problems.
- The bargaining process typically involves face-to-face meetings and the exchange of written proposals, demands, counterproposals, and rounds of bargaining.
- The resulting contract must be approved by top management and ratified by the union members, and it covers issues such as union security, management rights, wages, benefits, and job security.
- Administering the Agreement:
- The third phase involves the daily administration of the labor agreement.
- This includes handling worker grievances and other workforce management problems that require interaction between managers and labor union officials.
NEA. (2020, June). The 5 Stages of Collective Bargaining. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/resource-library/5-stages-collective-bargaining
Rodenburg, K. (2018). Introduction to Management. Retrieved from https://books.lib.uoguelph.ca/mgmt1000/chapter/7-7-the-labour-relations-process/
FAQs
What is the first phase of the labor relations process?
Union organizing
What is the purpose of the union organizing phase?
To establish a union-management relationship
What is the second phase of the labor relations process?
Negotiating a labor agreement
What is the purpose of the labor agreement negotiation phase?
To establish the terms and conditions of employment
What is the third phase of the labor relations process?
Administering the labor agreement
What is the purpose of the labor agreement administration phase?
To ensure that the terms of the labor agreement are followed
What are some of the key issues that are typically covered in a labor agreement?
Wages, benefits, working hours, and grievance procedures
Who is responsible for enforcing the terms of a labor agreement?
Both the union and the employer are responsible for enforcing the terms of the agreement