LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS - HRIR 3450

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

HRIR 3450 – A01

Monday and Wednesday 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Room 108

Winter 2017 ______________________________________________________________________

Instructor: Janet Eisbrenner Office Location: 366 Drake Centre

Phone: 204-480-1085 Office Hours: Thursday 1:45-2:30 (or by appointment)

Fax: 204-474-7545 Class Room: 108 Drake Centre

Email: [email protected] Class Time: Mon. / Wed. 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

________________________________________________________________________

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is to enhance knowledge and understanding of labour and employment relations in

Canada and beyond. It addresses various issues and debates about these relations; their history,

structure, and functioning; management employment relations practices; the role of labour

unions; collective bargaining overview; and contemporary developments and alternatives. The

course presents a balanced perspective of the requirements and goals of union and management

and prepares students to deal with labour and employment relations issues in the workplace.

TEACHING METHODS

This course involves a combination of lecture, group discussion, exercises, simulation drills, role

plays, group presentation and class dialogue. The course is supplemented by audio-visual

materials, power points and hand-outs. Preparatory work for class such as assigned reading is

expected of each student. Informed participation will be a significant course evaluation factor.

The course is designed to encourage interdisciplinary discussions of a variety of topics that are

integral to the study and understanding of labour relations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1) Gain an overview to the field of Labor and Employment Relations.

2) Increase analytical skills by researching facts and cases related to the topic of labour and

employment relations.

3) Relate labour relations rules and legislation to practical situations in the workplace.

4) Build awareness of current issues and best practices in labour and employment relations.

5) Explore the objectives of unions, employers and governments in unionized environments.

6) Apply labour relations concepts to gain understanding how to effectively deal with

management and union advocates.

7) Develop an understanding of the origins of unionization and the implications unionization

has on workplace culture, processes, and roles for employees, unions, and employers.

8) Implications of the federal and provincial Labour Relations Codes.

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COURSE MATERIALS

Required:

Suffield, L. and Gannon, G. (2016). Labour relations. (4th ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Student progress will be assessed through the following:

Course Assessment Details:

1. Mid-Term Exam – March 8

The mid-term exam will test your knowledge of the topics covered to the exam date. Additional

information will be provided in class. The mid-term is worth 25% of your final grade.

2. Research Essay – Due March 20

The assignment asks you to find a news story (past or present) about a labour and employment

relations issue. Examples of news-making issues include a contentious certification, unfair labour

practice, grievance (i.e. discipline), strike, lockout, new law impacting labour and employment

relations or a company restructure that has implications for a bargaining unit(s). A library search

of periodicals (i.e. peer- reviewed journal articles, magazine, newspaper), labour relation cases or

Canadian Labour Reporter (www.labour-reporter.com) are examples of sources to find Labour

and Employment Relations news stories. You are to apply a variety of applicable course concepts

and analytical tools to bring forth a comprehensive and balanced report in the context of labour

and employment relations. Research is expected and the paper is to be formatted APA style.

Include a bibliography page. For specific information on written work requirements and electronic

submissions, refer to the course syllabus under “additional assessment notes” and “Paper Writing

Tips” uploaded on UM Learn “Content” in Module I. Your instructor will review the assignment

in class. Refer to the rubric on UM Learn in the assignment drop box for specific evaluation

criteria. The following is a guide to the organization of your paper:

ASSIGNMENTS / EXAMS VALUES DUE DATE

Mid-Term Exam 25% March 8

Research Essay 15% March 20

Group Project:

a) Written Overview

b) Presentation

1%

14%

March 27

April 5, 10, 12 (tentative)

Final Exam 35% Date TBA

Participation (Class participation, Peer

Evaluation)

10% -

Total 100% -

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1) Introduction (1 paragraph)

2) Incident/case overview and relevant background information. (3/4-1 page)

3) Identify and analyze major issues or questions involved by all sides. (Use labour and

employee relations language; integrate course text material into your analysis) (2

pages)

4) Commentary: I.e. Has the case been resolved satisfactorily? What are current and

future impacts and implications for parties involved? Were all relevant factors

considered? Why or why not? What other considerations and suggestions do you have?

Integrate course theory and concepts. Assessments and insights need to be supported and

substantiated with research information and relevant course material. (2 ½ - 3 pages)

5) Conclusion (1 paragraph)

6) Bibliography (separate page)

Your written report should be 1400 words (+/-250). You may want to consider headings to

organize your paper. The paper is worth 15% of your final grade.

3. Group Project

This is a research-based assignment group project on a labour relations topic. Topic categories will

be provided by your instructor. There will be class time provided for your group project but

prepare for the bulk of the work to be completed outside of class time. You are graded as a group.

Refer to “group work” under course expectations and policy in the syllabus. (Please note that your

instructor reserves the right to mark individually, if deemed appropriate). For written expectations,

refer to “additional assessment notes” of the course syllabus. Specific details about this group

project will be presented in class along with instructor marking criteria and written instructions

uploaded in the assignment drop box on UM Learn. The project has two parts: a) Project

Overview and b) Class presentation:

a) Project Overview – Due March 27

Each group is to electronically submit an overview to the assignment drop box on UM learn that

provides a brief summary of your topic, proposal for your presentation, assigned team member

roles/tasks and a preliminary bibliography list. Your written overview should be 1 to 1 ½ pages,

double spaced plus a preliminary bibliography page. Review Assessment Notes in the course

syllabus. The overview is worth 1% of your final grade.

b) Group Project Presentation – April 5, 10, 12 (For logistical reasons, presentations dates may vary)

Each group is to present their research and findings to the class. Groups have considerable leeway

to their presentation but it should feature a comprehensive examination of your labour relations

topic in a balanced manner that is carried out in a creative and integrative way to the class. Please

provide a copy of your final bibliography to your instructor on your presentation day (APA format)

along with uploading an electronic copy to the assignment drop box in UM Learn. Your group

presentation is worth 14% of your final grade.

4. Final Exam – Date TBA

This is a cumulative exam that will cover learning throughout the semester. The exam will be more

heavily weighted on material covered following the mid-term. Additional information will be

provided in class. (Bring identification; No special tools are required or permitted). The final

exam is worth 35% of your final grade.

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5. Participation

Class participation is determined by attendance, evidence of course reading, attention to the course

UM Learn, and active presence and quality participation in ALL class processes including

discussions, role play, case analysis and group presentations. Peer evaluation is also part of your

participation grade (peer evaluation refers to evaluating another team’s presentation. Students are

assigned a team to evaluate, on the presentation day). Students using cell phones or internet during

class will be deemed absent, unless the purpose pertains to a class activity. Active class

participation will be considered an extra that can help a borderline grade. Your participation mark

is worth 10% of your final grade.

ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT NOTES:

1) Assignments are to be handed in electronically to the assignment drop box in UM Learn by

10:00 p.m. on the assignment due date. Include a header at the top left corner of EACH page

that includes your name (last, first), course number, date, word count. I.e.: Smith, Allen

HRIR 3450 W 2017

March 7, 2017

1385 words

Submit to the assignment drop box using a file name that includes: name, course name,

assignment name. I. e. SmithHRIR3450AO1Essay. Assignments must be double spaced.

Always keep a copy of your work. Use Times New Roman or Arial 12 font.

2) Late papers are accepted up to three days past the due date. There is a 5% deduction per day

late. An exception applies only under special circumstances (i.e. medical) and through

consultation with your instructor and possibly supporting medical doctor documentation.

3) All assignments should include theory and concepts from the text, class lecture and course

material. These should be briefly explained and noted how they apply to the particular situation

you are discussing. Inclusive language and formal writing is expected. Assignments require

application of basic rules of grammar, organization, spelling and good communication in

response to particular assignment questions and expectations.

4) All material referred to in any assignment MUST be appropriately referenced. Plagiarism is a

serious academic offence. Refer to the syllabus’ departmental academic integrity page.

5) Written submissions are to follow APA (American Psychological Association) in-text

citation/documentation format - author last name, publication year and page number (optional).

Copies of the Publication Manual of the APA are available in the U of M Library and

bookstore. Also refer to the electronic hand-out on the course UM Learn, Module I. Be sure

to include a bibliography in your assignments, APA format.

6) Essay Introduction and Conclusion: Academic work should have a clear and easily-identifiable

purpose. This is accomplished by beginning the paper with an introduction. A thesis statement

is helpful in setting out a clear purpose but may not be enough by itself. Hence, you may want

to include a purpose statement (i.e. 2-3 sentences). The purpose statement will set out and

identify what you set out to do in your paper and how you will go about it. Your paper should

end with a concluding paragraph that emphasizes the main point in your introduction. (It should

not be a repetitive summary of your purpose statement). The conclusion gives you an

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opportunity to persuasively and succinctly restate your thesis. For example, the conclusion

can be a place in which to explain the strength of your argument presented in the content

paragraphs. Remember that the conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or

new ideas. New ideas are placed in the content paragraphs.

7) Students wanting evaluative feedback prior to the voluntary withdrawal deadline date, should

e-mail me to arrange a discussion time before class or to schedule an appointment.

8) I will re-grade work that is appealed. Grading appeals must include a detailed written

description of your concern and reasons why your mark should be changed. Subsequent to re-

grade, your grade might raise, stay the same, or drop.

COURSE PROCESS EXPECTATIONS AND CLASS POLICY:

1. It is anticipated that you will attend each class on time and stay for the entire session. If you

have an unavoidable conflict that prohibits this, please make an effort not to disturb your

classmates or interrupt the session.

2. Treat all members of the classroom with dignity and respect.

3. Every class requires the participant’s active participation in a meaningful way that enhances

group learning. It is important that you complete assigned readings and review posted slides

prior to class so that you may dynamically participate.

4. Active engagement in small group and class discussion is expected. Quality discussion

includes offering a unique and relevant perspective, moving the analysis forward, providing

evidence, demonstrating recognition of course material and integrating these with reflective

thinking, and linking course concepts and themes to current events.

5. UM Learn - This course is registered on UM Learn - the university’s learning management

system. It is anticipated that you will regularly check this site for important instructor

information: I.e. News (Class agendas, announcements and reminders); Content (power point

slides for each module and associated module material); Drop Box (assignment instructions,

additional information, and rubrics) and Calendar (important dates).

6. Group Work - It is expected that ALL group members contribute in an equitable fashion.

“Social loafing” is not accepted. Social loafing occurs when a group member relies on

remaining group members to complete group tasks, and does not contribute to group work. If

you feel that a group member is not adequately contributing to the project, please respond as

follows: 1) Address your concerns with that group member as early, as directly, and as

respectfully as possible. Indicate your expectations of that group member, including specific

instructions for how he/she can contribute to the group; 2) If the individual is not responsive

to your concerns, express them again via email, and copy me; 3) Agree upon a way in which

that person can contribute to the group and notify me by e-mail of your solution; 4) If the

problem persists, make an appointment for your group to meet with me. We will attempt to

resolve the problem together; 5) If this fails, leave the person’s name off the group project; 6)

I will inform the group member that s/he will receive a zero or a reduced mark. If social loafing

is occurring in your group, it is important that you begin the procedural steps promptly.

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FINAL GRADES WILL BE SUBMITTED AS FOLLOWS:

Letter Grade Percentage GPA

A+ 90-100% 4.5

A 80-89% 4.0

B+ 75-79% 3.5

B 70-74% 3.0

C+ 65-69% 2.5

C 60-64% 2.0

D 50-59% 1.0

F Below 50 0.0

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HRIR 3450 SCHEDULE AND TOPICS*

*The course schedule may vary as the course progresses and as student interests interact with course material. To

confirm the schedule, refer to UM “News” for class agenda announcements and “Content” for student power point,

hand-outs and other applicable Module information.

DATE TOPICS AND ASSESSMENTS READINGS & CLASS

ACTIVITIES

Module 1: January 18

Class 1

Module I: Introductory Class Introductions, Course Overture, Syllabus

Review, Labour and Employment Relations

Introduction

Read: Suffield Chapter 1

Introductions, course overview

Module 2 January 23

Class

2

Module II: Labour and Employment Relations A. The Study of Labour Relations and Employment

Relations

B. Understanding Labour Unions

Purpose, sources of conflict, dimensions of trade

unionism C. Perspectives –

Theoretical Frames

Read:

Suffield Chapter 1

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Individual and Class

Reflection Activity: – Why

Unions? - Aims and Purpose of

Unions

Module 2

(cont.):

January 25,

30

Class 3, 4

Module II: PART D - Evolution of Labour and

Employment Relations in Canada Early Industrialization Era: 1870s to Early 1900s

Management Era: Early 1900s to 1929

Institutionalization of Conflict: 1930s and 1940s

"Maturation" Era: 1950s and early 1960s

New Militancy: Late 1960s and 1970s

The New Realities: 1980s to early 2000s

Current

Read:

Chapter 3 (pp 59-66)

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture; Video Clip and

Discussion: “Worker

Movements in Canada”

Module 2

(cont.):

February 1

Class 5

Case Study Analysis –

“GM Negotiations” – Apply Framework of Labour

Relations

Case - uploaded UM Learn-

(Reference–Chapter 1)

Module 3

February

6, 8

Class

6, 7

Module III: The Environment

A. Economic (Macro & Micro environment, govt.

policy)

B. Technology

C. Social Values and Beliefs Roundtable Discussion – Current attitudes and

beliefs on labour and employment relations

Read:

Suffield Chapter 2

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture; Reflection: Values,

Beliefs on unions? Canadian HR

Reporter: “Attitudes on Labour

& Employee Relations”

(Worksheet- uploaded-UM Learn

Module 3

(cont.):

February 13

Class 8

Module III (cont.) – PART D and E

D. Political Divided Employment and Labour Jurisdiction

E. Legal

Read

Suffield Chapter 2

8

Legislation - Employment Standards; Human

Rights; Labour Relations

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Reference – MB LRA: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm

/l010e.php

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture; Discussion

Module 3

(cont.):

February 15

Class 9

Case – Safe Passage Toll

Read:

Case - pp 40-41 course text

Class Agenda & Activities: Case Analysis, group project

team formation

- Louis Riel Day – February 20 – No Class

Mid-Term Break February 21-24 – No Classes

-

Module 4:

February

27, March 1

Class

10, 11

Module IV: PART A: Unions - Objective, Process,

Strategy Objectives and processes

How unions function

Features and Trends of Canadian Union

Structure

Union Structure Example – CUPE

Read:

Suffield Ch 3

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Film: Hollywood

Unions; Illustration - Union

Structure of CUPE

Module 4

(cont.):

March 6

Class 12

Module IV: PART B – Employer - Objective,

Process, Strategy Management policies and practices

Labour and employment relations strategy

Organizing Campaign Examples – Employer

reactions

Read:

Suffield Ch 4

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Video and Class

Discussion – “Organizing

Walmart”

March 8

Class 13

Mid-term

Module 4

(cont.):

March 13

Class 14

Module IV: PART C – Government - Objective,

Process, Strategy

Labour Relations Board and Intervention

Back-to-work Legislation

o Implication

o Perspectives-(Government, Union,

Employer);

o Back-to-work legislation examples in

Canada

Read:

Suffield Ch 5

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Video – Canadian

Government Back-to-Work

Legislation Bill C-39, 2012 - CP

Rail Strike – Union v.

Government perspectives

Module 5: March 15

Class

15

Module V: Collective Bargaining Agreement A. Obtaining Collective Bargaining Rights

Obtaining collective bargaining rights –

Conduct – Employer, Unions

Remedies for Unfair Labour Practice

Read: Suffield Chapters 6

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture

9

Module 5

(cont.): March 20

Class

16

B. Collective Agreement Contract

Legal requirements, Terms

Labour & Employment Relations Essay

Due – March 20

Read: Suffield Chapters 7

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Activity – Township of

Rain Lake (Uploaded UM Learn)

Module 5

(cont.):

March 22

Class

17

Finish Module V PART C:

Overview of Negotiating Collective Agreements

Negotiation Types

Read:

Suffield Chapter 8

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture; Distributive v.

Integrative bargaining, Video-

Orange Analogy; Case –

Navistar International (hand-out)

Module 6: March 27

Class 18

Module VI: Employer-Employee Relationship: Dispute

Resolution

Unionized Environments - Grievance Arbitration

Non-unionized Environments

Group Project Written Overview Due March 27

Read: Suffield Chapter 9

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Grievance Meeting

(Video); Case– Bentley School

Board (p 244 text)

Module 7:

March 29

Class 19

Module VII: Contract Disputes A. Contract Dispute Resolution

B. Strikes and Lock-out

Read: Suffield Ch 10

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Video

Module 8: April 3

Class

20

Module VIII: Special Issues - Labour &

Employment Relations

A. PART A - Public Sector

Read: Suffield, Ch 11

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture

April 5, 10,

12

Class

21, 22, 23

Group Project Presentations

Presentations

Module 8 (cont.):

April 17

Class

24

Module VIII PART B (cont.)

PART B – Contemporary Developments and

Alternatives

The New Management of Work

Read: Suffield, Ch 12

Class Agenda & Activities:

Lecture, Discussion questions,

April 19

Class 25

Final Class – Final comments Module VIII, Course Review & closing

Class Agenda & Activities:

Activity, Final Exam Overview

- Final Exam – Date, Time & Location TBA

-

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AACSB Assurance of Learning Goals and Objectives.

The Asper School of Business is proudly accredited by AACSB. Accreditation requires

a process of continuous improvement of the School and our students. Part of “student

improvement” is ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need

to succeed in their careers. To do so, the Asper School has set the learning goals and

objectives listed below for the Undergraduate Program. The checked goal(s) and

objective(s) will be addressed in this course and done so by means of the items listed

next to the checkmark.

Goals and Objective in the Undergraduate Program

Goals and

Objectives

Addressed

in this

Course

Course Item(s)

Relevant to

these Goals

and Objectives

1 Quantitative Reasoning

A. Determine which quantitative analysis technique is

appropriate for solving a specific problem.

B. Use the appropriate quantitative method in a

technically correct way to solve a business problem.

Some

quantitative

analysis in case

assignments

C. Analyze quantitative output and arrive at a

conclusion.

2 Written Communication

A. Use correct English grammar and mechanics in their

written work.

Written case

assignment

report

B. Communicate in a coherent and logical manner Written case

assignment

report

C. Present ideas in a clear and organized fashion. Written case

assignment

report

3 Ethical Thinking

A. Identify ethical issues in a problem or case situation Case analysis

discussions,

group case

report

B. Identify the stakeholders in the situation. Modules II, III,

IV, V, VI, VIII

C. Analyze the consequences of alternatives from an

ethical standpoint.

Modules III, V

and VI

D. Discuss the ethical implications of the decision. Module V, VI

4 Core Business Knowledge Entire course

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ACADEMIC POLICY

1) Unclaimed Assignments:

Pursuant to the FIPPA Review Committee’s approved recommendations as of August 15, 2007,

all unclaimed student assignments will become the property of the faculty and will be subject to

destruction six months after the completion of any given academic term.

2) Religious Holidays:

The University of Manitoba acknowledges the right of all students to observe recognized holy days

of their faith. Please inform me as soon as possible of your intended absence(s).

3) Accessibility Services:

Students are encouraged to speak to the instructor and/or contact Accessibility Services at: 474-

6213 http://umanitoba.ca/student/resource/disability_services/ should special arrangements need

to be made to meet course requirements. This is in relation to students with documented

disabilities, temporary or chronic medical conditions requiring academic accommodations for

exams (i.e. private space) or during lectures.

4) Voluntary Withdrawal:

The last day for voluntary withdrawal without academic penalty is March 31 (no refund) 2017.

5) University Email Policy

Effective September 1, 2013, the U of M will only use your university email account for official

communications, including messages from your instructors, department or faculty, academic

advisors, and other administrative offices. If you have not already been doing so, please send all

emails from your U of M email account. Remember to include your full name, student number and

faculty in all correspondence. For more information visit: http://umanitoba.ca/registrar/e-

mail_policy

6) Deferred Exams

Effective September 2005, the Department of Business Administration has instituted a policy which

provides ONE DATE ONLY for students who have deferred their final exams. The deferred exam is

May 19, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Room 108 Drake. Please refer to University of Manitoba’s Policy 1305

– Exam Regulations (http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/academic/454.htm) or the

Undergraduate Program Office for rules and regulations concerning deferred exams

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Academic Integrity It is critical to the reputation of the Asper School of Business and of our degrees that everyone

associated with our faculty behave with the highest academic integrity. As the faculty that helps create

business and government leaders, we have a special obligation to ensure that our ethical standards are beyond

reproach. Any dishonesty in our academic transactions violates this trust. Section 8 of the University Policies,

found in The University of Manitoba Calendar, addresses the issue of academic dishonesty. Specifically, acts

of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

- using the exact words of a published or unpublished author without quotation marks and without

referencing the source of these words

- duplicating a table, graph or diagram, in whole or in part, without referencing the source

- paraphrasing the conceptual framework, research design, interpretation, or any other ideas of another

person, whether written or verbal (e.g., personal communications, ideas from a verbal presentation)

without referencing the source

- copying the answers of another student in any test, examination, or take-home assignment

- providing answers to another student in any test, examination, or take-home assignment

- taking any unauthorized materials into an examination or term test (crib notes)

- impersonating another student or allowing another person to impersonate oneself for the purpose of

submitting academic work or writing any test or examination

- stealing or mutilating library materials

- accessing test prior to the time and date of the sitting

- changing name or answer(s) on a test after that test has been graded and returned

- submitting the same paper or portions thereof for more than one assignment, without discussions with

the instructors involved

Group Projects and Group Work

Many courses in the Asper School of Business require group projects. Students should be aware that

group projects are subject to the same rules regarding academic dishonesty. Because of the unique nature of

group projects, all group members should exercise special care to ensure that the group project does not violate

the policy on Academic Integrity. Should a violation occur, group members are jointly accountable unless

the violation can be attributed to a specific individual(s).

Some courses, while not requiring group projects, encourage students to work together in groups (or

at least do not prohibit it) before submitting individual assignments. Students are encouraged to discuss this

issue as it relates to academic integrity with their instructor to avoid violating this policy.

In the Asper School of Business, all suspected cases of academic dishonesty are passed to the Dean's

office in order to ensure consistency of treatment.