HRM303 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Union Busting, Cost Leadership

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Human Resources Management
• Course: HRM303
• Professor: Vince Di Ruzza

Document Summary

To maximize profits, private sector employers will seek to increase efficiency/productivity. Processes or methods: union avoidance and opposition measures, contract negotiation, lockouts, grievances and arbitration, court (legal) action, political activity, public relations, collaboration with union, unilateral action. Although in public sector the provision of services is primary objective rather than pursuit of profit, there should be same concern for efficiency of productivity. Non profit sector (third sector) provides services in sports and recreation, housing, education, the arts and social services. Concession bargaining: negotiation over employer demands for reductions in wages and benefits: wage cuts, cuts or freezes, lump sum payments instead of wage increases, may take place under threat of business closure. Managers need control to reduce uncertainty or risk. Some employers will take steps to prevent a union organizing their employees: such as paying higher wages and providing forms of employee representation. If employees pursue union, employer will actively oppose the unionization of their employees.