Reference no: EM132981535

1. Consider a non-union organization that you have worked for in the past or are familiar with. Which of the reasons for employees seeking unionization referred to in this chapter might have led employees in that organization to seek union representation? Were there any other reasons why employees might have tried to unionize?

2. Consider a non-union organization that you have worked for in the past or are familiar with. This chapter provided reasons why some employees may not support unionization. Would any of these reasons apply to you or your co-workers? Are there any other reasons why you or your co-workers might oppose unionization?

3. What is the significance of the group of employees found to be the appropriate bargaining unit at certification?

4. An automotive dealership has four departments: service, sales, office, and a body repair shop. There is a supervisor for each of the departments. The mechanics and mechanics' helpers in the service department have a separate incentive compensation system. The employees in the service department and body repair department have the same benefits package, and they work in the same building that is separate from the auto showroom. There is no interchange of employees between departments. A union has applied for certification seeking to represent the mechanics and mechanics' helpers in the service department. What, if anything, should the employer's response be?

5. Confirm whether the labour relations legislation in your province provides for the possibility of certification of a union based on membership cards or requires a representation vote. If the legislature was considering changes to the legislation, what arguments would you make in favour of relying on membership cards instead of requiring a vote? Conversely, what arguments would you make in favour of requiring a vote in all applications for certification?

6. An employer has been notified that a union has filed an application for certification for a group of its employees. The employer is considering implementing the changes or taking the steps referred to below. In each case, explain whether the employer should take the action referred to.

(a) The employer is considering the amount that will be paid to employees who use their vehicles in the course of their employment. For five years, the employer has increased the mileage allowance on an annual basis after reviewing the costs of gas and other factors affecting the cost of operating a vehicle. No announcements relating to an increase have been made.

(b) The employer is considering a new incentive pay system. The system has been designed by a consultant, the consultant has been paid, and the senior management team has approved the system; however, employees have not yet been informed about the system. (c) Same situation as in (b), except that the system was announced to employees two weeks before the application for certification was filed by the union.

7. Confirm whether the Labour Relations Board in your province can certify a union without a vote as a remedy for employer unfair labour practices. What are the arguments for and against the Board having this authority?

8. Confirm when labour relations legislation in your province allows employees to make an application for decertification. Do you think that the restrictions on a decertification application are appropriate? That is, explain the labour relations policy behind the restrictions on an application for decertification, and whether the restrictions are too broad or too narrow.

(Take a reference from the book- Labour Relations 4th edition Suffield)