Union/Management Issues

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to union and management issues, essential for understanding the labor relations framework.

Union

An organized group of workers that bargain with employers to improve pay, job security, and working conditions.

Collective Bargaining

The process through which workers negotiate with their employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Mediation

A process where an impartial third party assesses a dispute and makes recommendations for reaching an agreement.

Arbitration

A process in which a third party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute.

Grievance Procedure

The process through which unionized workers file complaints regarding contract-related matters.

Strike

A form of protest where workers leave their jobs and refuse to work until demands are met.

Picketing

A tactic where workers gather outside a workplace to inform others about a strike or to publicize management practices.

Boycotting

Refusal by workers to buy a company's products, urging others to do the same.

Lockout

A management tactic where the workplace is closed to workers, usually during a labor dispute.

Strikebreaker

Non-union workers who cross picket lines to replace striking workers.

Labor Federation

An organization that links national unions and provides assistance and political support.

Shop Steward

A union member who acts as a liaison between workers and management.

Labor Union Density

The percentage of workers who belong to a union as part of the total employment.

Union Membership Rate

The percentage of wage and salary workers who are members of unions.

Public Sector Unionization

Union membership among workers employed by government entities.

Private Sector Unionization

Union membership among workers in non-governmental enterprises.

Negotiation Process

The exchange of demands and offers between labor and management to reach an agreement.

Tactics

Strategies employed by unions or management to gain advantage during negotiations.

Employment Contract

A formal agreement that outlines the terms of employment between the employer and the employee.

Job Security

The assurance that an employee will retain their job without the risk of becoming unemployed.

Worker Motivation

Factors that drive employees to seek union membership, such as wages and working conditions.

Economic Factors

Conditions that influence a worker's decision, such as job availability and wage levels.

Workplace Safety

Measures or protocols in place to ensure a safe environment for employees.

Mutual Agreement

A consensus reached by both labor and management during negotiations.

Third Party

An external mediator or arbitrator that assists in resolving disputes.

Labor Rights

The legal rights of workers to organize, negotiate, and work safely.

Union Representation

The act of representing workers' interests in discussions with management.

Cross Picket Lines

When non-union workers enter a workplace during a strike.

Bargaining Position

The stance a party takes during negotiations regarding what they want.

Economic Power

The influence that control over resources and profits gives to a party.

Membership Growth

An increase in the number of workers who join a union.

Union Benefits

Advantages that union members receive, often including better wages and working conditions.

Management Resistance

Opposition from employers against unionization efforts by their workers.