Industry and Labor Relations

Vaughn College MGT470 (hereinafter, the Course) is the labor relations course delivered by Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology (hereinafter, the College). Vaughn College MGT110 is the prerequisite to the Course.

Description

This course outlines the behavioral aspects of the management and collective bargaining agency relationship. Emphasis is placed on arbitration, mediation, conciliation and fact finding. The course is divided into four parts --

1. A historical overview of labor relations
2. Elements of the collective bargaining process
3. Cost of labor contracts to fund wages, benefits and job security
4. Issues related to the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement

-- and is taught using a variety of techniques including lecture, text readings, class examples and discussions, case analysis, supplemental article readings, problem simulations.

Course objectives

After successful completion of this course, students will have acquired understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that drive the relationship between management and labor in both private industry and the public sector.

Course outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply:

• An understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that drive the relationship between management and labor in both private industry and the public sector to situations in their respective work environments
• Perspectives on labor relations that will help them to operate more effectively in either unionized on non-unionized work environments

Course requirements

1. Individual Assignment(s):
   • Readings. Be prepared to discuss the readings assigned and described in the weekly schedule found later in this syllabus.
   • Critical Review of an Article. Read and present (i.e., summarize, discuss and critique) an article from a current publication on a Labor Relations issue. Students are required to make this presentation on the notified date. If you do not present on that date, you will not have a chance to make up this assignment.
2. Group Assignment(s). This assignment requires work in groups of 4 to 5 members. You will study the Labor Relations history of an industry or specific company. You should be careful in deciding which industry or company you choose, and also exercise care in selecting your group mates. Information used in these written assignments must be appropriately cited in MLA or APA format. Lack of citations and / or a bibliography can be considered a form of plagiarism and will be penalized accordingly. Present your complete project as a group. Presentations should last 15 to 20 minutes and will be followed by questions from your classmates.
3. Examinations. An examination is given for each chapter covered in the text.

Required text

• Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining by Michael R. Carrell and Christina Heavrin (10th edition), Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN 13: 978-0-13-273001-3

Suggested texts

Lectures, tests, videos, and other materials tend to be posted on CNM Digital at https://friendsofcnm.org/

Required materials

Textbook(s) as noted above, pen and notebook or a computer device running the standard office suite with a document processor, presentation program, spreadsheet editor, and (optionally) colored highlighter pens. No additional materials required unless specified by the instructor or directed by the assignments.

Grading policy

Area	Percentage
Group case / discussion / presentation	25%
Critical review of management article	10%
Exams	55%
Class participation	5%
Attendance	5%
Total	100%

Late work policy

If a student turns in an assignment following the scheduled due date, the student will receive minimal feedback and a lower grade. Assignments turned in late will be assessed with a grade penalty. Late work will not be accepted if overdue by more than seven days.

Academic honesty

The College is committed to ensuring quality and integrity in all its academic and evaluative activities. A learning environment that promotes high academic standards is beneficial to students and faculty alike. Academic dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism is in opposition to the values and mission of the institution and will not be tolerated.

Disability support services

It is the policy and practice of the College to promote inclusive learning environments. If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in compliance with the College policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and/ or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Please note, students should not negotiate accommodations directly with professors; however, professors may assist students in providing information about the self- identification process and the College-based services.

Absences and lateness

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory academic performance. Institutional policy mandates students missing more than three classes are subject to an overall grade decrease. Students are also advised that additional attendance requirements may be mandated depending on the faculty member and/ or the department from which a particular course is taken. The final grade in any subject may be reduced in proportion to the number of unexcused absences.

Discrimination and harassment

The College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or status as a military veteran, or for any other category recognized by local, state or federal law. In the programs, activities, and services offered, including but not limited to admissions, recognition of performance, and achievement, which the College provides to students, staff, and applicants, it continually strives to maintain a nondiscriminatory environment.

Course modules

The course schedule established for this semester is a guide. The schedule is subject to change and will vary accordingly. After the 15-module schedule all required material will be covered and reviewed for the final exam.

Module 1. Overview of labor relations

Labor relations, employment, job-market actor, employee, independent contractor, self-employed, apprentice, volunteer, employment candidate, industry, job market, job-market trend, employer, government organization, non-profit corporation, operational business, startup business, job-market intermediary

Module 2. Labor law

Labor law

Module 3. Union organizing

Labor union, collective bargaining

Module 4. Contract administration

Contract administration, employment contract, non-disclosure agreement, contract award, contract closeout, unfair labor practices by unions and management

Module 7. Negotiation

Negotiation, fixed pie, BATNA, zero-sum approach, trade-off, bargaining, distributive bargaining, integrative bargaining, third party, arbitrator, conciliator, mediator, negotiation process model, sop

Module 5. Cash compensation and its cost

Employee compensation, total compensation, cash compensation, skill-based pay, variable pay, variable-pay program, merit-based pay plan, pay-for-performance program, piece-rate pay plan, bonus, profit-sharing plan

Module 9. Employee benefits and their costs

Work-life program, wellness program, employee assistance program, dependent care, employee benefit, retirement plan, health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, vesting, employee stock ownership plan, flexible benefits

Work arrangement, compressed workweek, flextime, telecommuting, job sharing