Practices and Procedures of Collective Bargaining

ILR 480

Professor: Scott J. Andreassi, J.D.

Office: Rm. 4B – Keith Hall

Phone: 357-4423 or 724-548-3240

E-Mail: andreassi@alltel.net

sandreassi@iup.edu

armda@alltel.net

Text: An Introduction to Collective Bargaining & Industrial Relations, by Katz and Kochan, Third Edition

General Information:

The course will consist of general class lecture, class participation, examinations, class presentations and a negotiations simulation. Students are expected to read the material assigned prior to class and will be expected to participate in discussions. During the class presentations and negotiations simulation, each student will be a part of a team. Each student is expected to participate in the team process and will be graded accordingly. The process of Collective Bargaining is a fluid process with each side (or sides) trying to achieve their goals or at the very least reach a satisfactory compromise. You are encouraged to challenge the material contained in the textbook, the class discussions and the opinions of the instructor. Class participation is encouraged and expected.

Goals and Objectives:

1. Acquaint the students with the historical, legal and practical applications of the collective bargaining process.

2. Introduce students to the process of collective bargaining and participate in a simulated collective bargaining scenario.

3. Enable students to understand the collective bargaining process as a member of society.

4. Give students the experience of preparing and presenting a relevant labor relations topic.

Grading:

You will be graded on the following:

1. Exam I – 100 points as follows:

30 multiple choice questions @ 2 points per question – 60 points

4 short answer essay questions @ 5 points per question – 20 points

2 long essay questions @ 10 points per question – 20 points

2. Exam II – 100 points (see above breakdown)

3. Final Exam – 100 points (optional, to be discussed in class)

4. Class Presentation – 100 points

Each student will be assigned to a 4 or 5 member team. Each team will be assigned a topic and will prepare a presentation to the class on the assigned topic. Each team member will be expected to participate in the preparation and presentation of the topic. Presentations will be prepared and presented using PowerPoint if possible. Further details to be discussed in class.

5. Negotiations Simulation – 100 points

Details to be discussed in class

Team assignments for Presentations will also be team assignments for the Negotiations Simulation

6. Extra Credit – May be available at the discretion of the instructor.

This course will utilize the standard University grading scale.

Collective Bargaining Practices and Procedures

Team Presentation Exercise

Overview

Each student will be assigned to a team. Team size will depend upon the size of the class. Once teams are assigned, each team will be assigned a particular labor relations topic. Topics assigned will be relevant to today’s collective bargaining environment.

As a team, you will be presenting your particular topic to a group of labor relations practitioners. The presentation must be clear, concise and coherent.

The team should meet on a regular basis, to complete the assignment and to become familiar with each other. This is particularly important as the way the team “functions” as a team will have an impact on the quality of the team’s presentation.

Once the team is assigned its topic, work should begin immediately to prepare the presentation. The following guidelines should be used in developing and presenting:

1. A wide variety of resources should be used in developing the presentation. These would include: textbooks, resource books, web sites, personal contacts, etc… Do not hesitate to contact the instructor if you are having difficulty locating information.

2. Each presentation should be 40 – 45 minutes in length. Each member of the team should have an equal responsibility in the presentation. It is up to each team to advise the instructor if any member is not participating in the preparation and presentation as expected.

3. The use of multi-media is encouraged. PowerPoint, video and overhead capabilities are available. If your team requires any of these for the presentation, you must advise the instructor at the class prior to the presentation.

4. If using PowerPoint, a copy of the slide show must be provided to the instructor prior to presentation. If not utilizing PowerPoint, a summary of the presentation must be prepared and provided to the instructor prior to presentation. Copies will be made and distributed to the class.

5. Remember to dress appropriately. You are presenting to colleagues in the labor relations field.

6. Each team should prepare a method to judge the effectiveness of its presentation. This might include a review, a “game show” quiz or something similar.

The presentation is a significant part of your grade. You should approach it seriously and professionally. Each team will be graded on the following aspects of their presentation:

1. Knowledge of the topic presented – 25 points

2. Understanding of the material presented – 25 points

3. Use of multi-media in the presentation – 10 points

4. Overall effectiveness of presentation – 20 points

5. Quality of written materials/summary provided – 20 points