COURSE SYLLABUS

 

ILR 426/526                                                                                                

Case Studies in Labor/Management Relations                                         

 

TEXT:            Cases in Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations  (9th Ed.):1999 by Hilgert.

 

OBJECTIVES:

1.         To provide students with a practitioner's view of the scope and magnitude of problems which arise in the labor/management relationship.  Special emphasis will be on the construction and hazardous waste site reclamation industries.

2.         To investigate the legal framework of the collective bargaining process through the discussion and analysis of significant cases.

3.         To examine the framework of dispute resolution using arbitration through the discussion and analysis of cases.

4.         To increase the students' abilities to identify critical issues, analyze facts, and serve as advocates, within the labor/management relationship.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Cases will be assigned from the text in advance of each class.  Students are expected to be prepared to discuss the assigned cases.  This discussion is extremely important and participation is a course requirement.  At the end of discussion additional cases "on point" will be cited.  Students are required to read all cases so cited.  In addition, each student will be required to make 12 minute presentations of cases as assigned by the instructor.  The case will be presented utilizing the following format:

1)  What are the facts?  (A concise review)

2)  What are the problems or principle issues?

3)  What is at stake between the parties?

4)  What are the parties' positions (Again, concise!)

5)  What does justice, equity or fairness tell us to do in this case?

6)  What do(es) the law or arbitration principles require?

7)    What do you recommend?  Why?

You must also be prepared to lead a short discussion about your case with the rest of the class.  The quality of the questions you ask the rest of the class about your case is important.  (Presentation 7-8 minutes, Discussion 4-5 minutes.)

 

EVALUATION:

  2 Essay Examinations @                                                  20 points each             

    2 Case Presentations @                                                15 points each                         

    Simulation                                                                       20 points         

    Class Participation                                                         10 points

 

    TOTAL                                                                        100 points

 

Although the evaluation of class participation is a subjective determination, the importance of open discussion of controversial points is paramount in the course.  Those students who consistently prepare for class and enthusiastically serve as advocates for their views (whatever they are or however inconsistent with ultimate authority) are those who will earn the rewards of the course.  Obviously common sense dictates that none of us act like zealots.

In the negotiations simulation, students shall remember they are trying to reach an agreement.  However, if negotiations fail by the course imposed deadline (4:30 pm on the second day), a strike will occur.  Both sides should weigh their approaches based on the time constraints facing them.  Failure to bargain in “good faith” will have negative consequences.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

 

You will find the need to refer to the following resources which may be found in the University Library:

 

The Bureau of National Affairs (BNA):  Labor Relations Reporter

and Labor Relations Reference Manual (LRRM) and Labor Arbitration Reports (LAR) - reference series

The Labor Relations Press:  Labor Arbitration Information System

(LAIS) - reference series.

 

A basic labor law or arbitration text will also serve as a good supplemental reference.  They are in the library - you don't need to buy one.   Make sure it is at least as current as 1998 if it's a law text.

Also, you may (will) find the following texts very useful:

 

Elkouri and Elkouri, How Arbitration Works, Fourth Edition (or newer if available) 

        BNA Books.     

      

            Nolan, Labor Arbitration Law and Practice, newest, West Publishing

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

  Date                Topic                                                   Reading                                  Cases

Week 1            Introduction                                          pp.3-28

The State of the Unions                         39-42

Week 2            Organizing and Elections                       handout                                                                       

Week 3            Organizing and Elections                       handout                         1,2,4,5,7,10

Week 4            Negotiations                                                                              12,18,20,26, Sup 9

Week 5            Other Issues                                                                              8,11,14c,15,16,19,

                                                                                                                                 24,25,27,29,30,

                                                                                                                                    32,34,35,37

Week 6            Exam

Week 7            Bargaining Simulation                           handouts          

 Intro                                                                

Week 8            Simulation                

Week 9            Simulation                                            

Week 10          Review and Evaluation of

                        Negotiations Simulation

Week 11          Contract Administration                        pp. 191-206

Grievance                                          

Arbitration                                            handouts

                        Discipline                                 

Week 12          Case Presentations                                                                    40,41,42,43,46,63,69,70

Week 13          Case Presentations                                                                    39,50,57,59,71,73,75 Sup 18

Week 14          Case Presentations                                                                    44,52,56,62,65,74,76,79

 

Your second exam will given during the final exam period unless we negotiate another time.  If you take it during finals, it will be corrected by noon the following day.  If taken some other time, we will review it during the final exam period and see a film which we will then discuss.  Attendance at the final activity is required and will be included in your class participation grade.