HRM/531
Labor Laws and Unions
Unions employ labor laws to protect their members from organizations that operate in violation of the National Labor Relations Board. It is imperative that organizations such as Lewis & Lambert have a clear understanding of their union contract and the laws set forth by the NLRB.
Lewis & Lambert Lewis & Lambert is Sheet Metal Contracting entity located in Fort Worth, Texas established in 1965 that prides itself in performance, quality, and value. The company is a unionized entity under contract with Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) Local 68. Lewis & Lambert 's additionally owns a subsidiary, Sigma Building Services, providing HVAC, and plumbing services. Union Benefits. Lewis & Lambert employees gain the rewards of union benefits. "Union members earn better wages and benefits than workers who aren 't union members" (AFL-CIO, 2011, para. 1). Additionally, Sheet Metal union members realize the advantages of health insurance benefits and stable workforce. Unionization Process. The organization employees entered the union upon its inception. The organization collected signatures of the employees calling for union representation and willing to pay union dues to Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) Local 68. According to HR Hero (2011), a minimum requirement of 30% of employees must propose induction prior to an election process (HR Hero, 2011, para. 2). Union Bargaining and Effects. Union representatives and organizations engage in a process of collective bargaining. Because Lewis & Lambert employees are represented by SMW Local 68, the workers negotiate alongside other Local 68 members. The negotiation process leads to agreements regarding wage scales, health benefits, working hours, overtime requirements, and even and other benefits realted to participation in organizational interactions. While a part of the negotiation process is not mandatory, voting is the only way to
References: AFL-CIO. (2011, Spring). Why You Need a Union. Retrieved from www.aflcio.org Cascio, W. F. (2010). Managing human resources (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. HR Hero. (2011, Spring). Labor Union Organizaing in the United States Workplace. Retrieved from www.hrhero.com Lewis & Lambert. (2011, Spring). Company Overview. Retrieved from http://www.lewisandlambert.com Union Facts. (2011, Spring). SMW Local 68: Unfair Labor Practice Charges. Retrieved from www.unionfacts.come