Session Notes for Labor Relations and Unions

  • USARA Study Aid: Document shared during the session for reference.

  • FMLA Updates: Corrections pending on quiz answers noted by Sarah; conflicting issues with edits noted.

  • Personal Update: Tori shares experiences from the Rec Center involving setup for new classes and classroom management.

  • ADA and Employee Health: Discussed cases regarding employees' health changes and the implications for HR, noting communication restrictions due to HIPAA.

  • Labor Laws:

    • Conversations on ADA and mental health medication changes in workers.
    • Importance of HR guidance in mitigating risks during employee discussions.

  • Union Topic: Introduction of unions and collective bargaining; discussion on employee rights under NLRA. Awareness raised on unfair labor practices (ULPs).

  • Key Labor Laws Discussed:

    • Railway Labor Act (1926): First statute regulating labor relations and ensuring the right to organize.
    • Norris-LaGuardia Act: Outlawing yellow-dog contracts and providing more protection for worker rights.
    • National Labor Relations Act (NLRA/Wagner Act): Foundation of labor relations today; mandated collective bargaining and defined ULPs.
    • Taft-Hartley Act: Established rights regarding union representation and defined ULPs against unions.
    • Landrum-Griffith Act: Established the Bill of Rights for union members.

  • Collective Bargaining:

    • Focus on the process and how unions negotiate on behalf of employees, stressing the importance of fair practice.
    • Tips for Employers: Remember the acronym TIPS (Threaten, Interrogate, Promise, Spy) to avoid ULPs.

  • Certification Process: Steps outlined for a union to become recognized, including the need for 30% of employees to express interest and the election mechanics that follow.

  • Grievance Handling: Differences noted in handling grievances in union vs. non-union settings; details on the structured process in unions.

  • Homework Assignments: Review various collective bargaining patterns and terms (e.g., no-strike clause) in preparation for the next class discussions.

  • Interactive Kahoot Session: Engaged participants with questions about labor laws and union structures to reinforce understanding and retention of material.