Introduction
The presence of a union in the workplace can significantly impact an organization's operations, especially in terms of human resource functions. Organizations may choose to operate in a union-free or unionized environment. This paper aims to discuss the differences from the organization's perspective in operating in a union-free environment versus a unionized environment. The memorandum will also examine the rights of the union, management, and employees in both environments. Additionally, the paper will discuss the impact of mergers on human resource functions, including work restructuring, performance management, employee discipline, job security, wages and benefits, and health and safety. Finally, the paper will highlight the
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In a union-free environment, organizations have complete control over employee relations. In contrast, in a unionized environment, organizations must negotiate with the union for changes related to employee compensation, benefits, and work conditions. A unionized environment also has higher labor costs as wages, benefits, and employment terms are governed by the collective bargaining process. In contrast, a union-free climate may allow organizations to be more flexible in determining employee compensation and benefits (Budd, 2016).
Rights of the Union, Management, and Employees
In a unionized environment, the union has the right to bargain collectively for employees' wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union also has the right to represent its members in any grievances or disputes with the organization. Management has the right to manage the organization's operations but must negotiate with the union for changes related to employee compensation, benefits, and working conditions. Employees have the right to join or not join the union and have the right to engage in collective bargaining with the organization through their union (Stevenson, 2018).
Impact on Human Resource
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Conflicts between workers and employers are prevalent to this day. From fair wages, to better working conditions, and even to appropriate healthcare, there is always some form of questioning that needs to be addressed. Dating back to the late 1800’s the economy and labor market of the United States underwent massive changes which mainly revolved around people of all different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds becoming wage laborers. Due to these previously unheard-of changes, a conflict between the employees and employers began. Therefore, in order to resolve labor issues, through great difficulty workers created unions and protested against their employers.
Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=87786622&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Author's Main Points Hurd (2013) noted the importance of understanding how the Labor Union began, grew, fell, almost became great again, and how it benefited the labor union leaders not the laborers themselves or the labor organizations within the states throughout these difficulties. During this article Hurd (2013), points out how he feels the unions
The Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor are just two examples of labor unions. Working in such poor conditions with little pay was a harsh reality. Labor unions provided at least some hope of change for workers. A worker in Hollitz explained that the reason he went on strike from George Pullman’s “model” company was because, “five reductions in wages, work, and in conditions of employment…” The railroad strike of 1877 grew violent, as workers demanded better wages.
Once a union is established at a Canadian employer, no more company and individual employees talk about pay and benefits further. Bargaining power is moved to and centralized within the union. A Canadian workers’ union has such a unique power that, under the nation’s law, an employer cannot bring in new or temporary workers while union employees go on strike. Canada’s employee relations landscape indeed has its advantages, but the setup has ethical concerns as well, particularly with workers’ rights to choose and with child
For over 40 years unions have been growing less dominant and shrinking. Labor unions date back to the eighteenth century, when new workers were in the need of representation. “By the 1820s, various unions involved in the effort to reduce the working day from 12 to 10 hours began to show interest in the idea of federation-of joining together in pursuit of common objectives for working people”(Jackson , 2001). When workers started to realize the powerful effects their employers have, slowly more people started to join in groups in citywide federations. It created poverty for many and great fortune for some.
Companies and corporations were also held accountable for the treatment of their employees from the formation of unions by the people. Today we see that the treatment of employees has become prioritized by some businesses and the evolution of voting
They also feel unions are crippling our economy and forcing jobs overseas. Collective bargaining also makes it difficult to terminate employees for subordinate behavior. Not to mention, union strikes impact the communities they serve and jeopardize the economy. These are all troubling fact about unions however, without them employees face unfair treatment, lower wages and employment at will termination. Consequently, employers will gain the upper hand!
No other organization in the United States arouses as much controversy as the United States’ labor union. Despite its goal to bring the employer and employee together in a bilateral partnership in lieu of an autonomous leadership track, to some the union has only succeeded in causing more mayhem than yielding anything positive while to others, the union has been a life saver by lobbying for better wage, --- and good working conditions. Depending on the perception of the worker, those who have benefited from the labor union have increased job satisfaction and wage while those who have had unpleasant experiences have no membership satisfaction therefore exiting the union. in the United States, the union emerged as early as the 1700s as suggested by Fossum (2014), “the genesis of the American labor movement parallels the birth of the nation. In 1778, New York
The National Labor Relations Act allows employees to form a union or join a preexisting union. The same act prevents employers from standing in the way of workers attempting to unionize. Many organizations frown on unionization, but regardless of their opinion, they cannot interfere with employment rights. Employers are violating the law if they threaten employee 's jobs, question union activities, or eliminate benefits for employees by unionization. They also cannot offer benefits or perks to employees for refusing to unionize, as this could be seen as illegal persuasion (Employer/Union Rights, n.d.).
Jay Greene is Chair of the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas says Unions are "[...]designed to promote the interests of their own and not the interests of nonmember [...]"(Greene) Unions only support their agenda they are not willing to help or adhere to anybody else. Under no circumstances should unions continue to operate in the US. No longer would people suffer the unions ridiculous economic demands and America work ethic would be restored. Unions would be gone and people would no longer have conflict with their greed and corruption. Citizens should vocalize the dangers of labor unions and push politicians to pass laws that disband them everywhere in the US.
In a pluralistic political system, labor unions are one of many interest groups competing for political power. In this system, unions represent the interests of workers and negotiate with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. For example, in the United States, the AFL-CIO is one of the largest labor unions in the country and represents over 12 million workers across various industries (Hogler, 2013). The key role of labor unions in a pluralistic system is to advocate for their members' interests and ensure government officials hear their voices. By doing so, they can influence
Unions are formed to give a united voice to the workers in an attempt to create equality and collective security between the corporations and their employees. For example, on August 3rd, 1981, PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) went on strike in an effort to get better pay and safer working conditions. Two days later, taking the side of business, Ronald Reagan fired 11,345 workers for not returning to work. With these examples, one can see how through
How important are these unions in nowadays? Perhaps, there is the main controversy about the theory of union power. The author believes that the entire structure must change and the central principle of representation "quid and the quo" need renovation. Estlund believes the new century needs new ideas and different approaches. The current employees can’t rely on the laws and concepts, which created centuries ago for that time's specific needs.
A spillover is when employers try to avoid unionization by offering workers the wages, benefits and working conditions won in rival unionized firms. Over the past three years union wage settlements have declined, however, the impact of the spillover effect cannot be understated. Therefore, nonunion management continues to enjoy the freedom from union “interference” in decision-making and the workers receive the spillover of rewards already obtained by other organizations that are
It also brings significant productivity benefits for companies. 4.2 Ensure workplaces are safe Trade unions representatives help to lower accident tares atwork by ensuring safe working practices and reducing stress related ill health caused, for example, working long hours being bullied or working in poor quality environments. Unionized workplaces are safer work places which has the added benefits for employers of significantly reducing employers of significantly reducing the cost of ill health and accidents. 4.3.