LO4 - The Collective Bargaining Process

• A union exists only when workers create it
• During regular working hours, employees are not allowed to discuss unionization with co-workers
• Other techniques are used to encourage workers to sign authorization cards including handbills, speeches, conversations, and home visits
• A union is typically certified either on the basis of card signatures or as a result of an election
• Prior to union organizing campaigns, there are often signs of employee interest:​

  • Turnover and absenteeism rates are higher than industry/community norms​
  • Employee satisfaction surveys show that employees are dissatisfied​
  • Pay and benefits are below average​
  • Ineffective procedures for resolving employee complaints​
• Unfair Labour Practices (MANAGEMENT)

  • Interfering in the formation of a union​
  • Financial contribution ​
  • Discriminating based on union membership ​
  • Intimidating or coercing an employee to join or not join​

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• Unfair Labour Practices (UNION)

  • Trying to bargain when the union is not the certified agent​
  • Persuading employees during working hours, or at the workplace to join or not join​
  • Illegal strikes​
  • Failing to represent employees fairly
• Legal recognition or bargaining rights may be obtained in three ways: ​

  1. Voluntary recognition ​
  2. Through certification by a labour relations board​
  3. A prehearing vote or automatic certification resulting from unfair labour practice.​

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