Labor Relations Research Paper
MG420 DL Labor Relations
Research Assignment
(Arthur Crump)
(September 27, 2009)
Professor Stroud 1. Define and discuss the term “collective bargaining.” Include and discuss [showing relevance or applicability] a current web-based news item/magazine article about a real life example of a collective bargaining action. Write a succinct and complete summary on the contents of the article you 've provided along with your critical comments about that article. Support your findings with referenced research. (5 points)
The Honolulu Advertiser recently published an article which cites on-going contract bargaining negotiations between the University of Hawaii (UH) Professional Assembly (who represents the faculty) and UH (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090918/news07/909180373). Currently, negotiations are at a stale-mate due to UH submitting its final contract offer to the UH Professional Assembly asking for a 5% pay reduction as well as a 10% reduction in the state’s contribution to their health insurance premiums. Due to this final offer issuing an ultimatum stating that the university will be “unilaterally imposed if not accepted by the union,” may force the union “to take legal action or strike.” The reasons cited by the university for their terms are despite increased enrollment, they’ve experienced significant budget reductions. This article is a great example of collective bargaining because the faculty is afforded the opportunity to have some efficiency, equity, and voice (Labor Relations, pg. 7-12) regarding their work terms. Additionally, this article also displays the definition of multilateral bargaining which is negotiating between multiple parties which in this case include: Board of Regents, the UH president, and the State’s Governor (Labor Relations, pg 296) Unfortunately this particular case is affected by the economic element for the bargaining environment due to the reduced budget cuts. (Labor Relations, pg 286)
Research Assignment
(Arthur Crump)
(September 27, 2009)
Professor Stroud 1. Define and discuss the term “collective bargaining.” Include and discuss [showing relevance or applicability] a current web-based news item/magazine article about a real life example of a collective bargaining action. Write a succinct and complete summary on the contents of the article you 've provided along with your critical comments about that article. Support your findings with referenced research. (5 points)
The Honolulu Advertiser recently published an article which cites on-going contract bargaining negotiations between the University of Hawaii (UH) Professional Assembly (who represents the faculty) and UH (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090918/news07/909180373). Currently, negotiations are at a stale-mate due to UH submitting its final contract offer to the UH Professional Assembly asking for a 5% pay reduction as well as a 10% reduction in the state’s contribution to their health insurance premiums. Due to this final offer issuing an ultimatum stating that the university will be “unilaterally imposed if not accepted by the union,” may force the union “to take legal action or strike.” The reasons cited by the university for their terms are despite increased enrollment, they’ve experienced significant budget reductions. This article is a great example of collective bargaining because the faculty is afforded the opportunity to have some efficiency, equity, and voice (Labor Relations, pg. 7-12) regarding their work terms. Additionally, this article also displays the definition of multilateral bargaining which is negotiating between multiple parties which in this case include: Board of Regents, the UH president, and the State’s Governor (Labor Relations, pg 296) Unfortunately this particular case is affected by the economic element for the bargaining environment due to the reduced budget cuts. (Labor Relations, pg 286)