Industrial Relations (IDRL) 305

Overview

IDRL 305 is designed to satisfy the needs of both trade unionists and human resource managers who are or might be involved in collective bargaining, as well as students who simply want a better understanding of this important Canadian institution. The course presents collective bargaining within a theoretical framework that highlights some of its historical and legal underpinnings and aspects of industrial relations theory. In addition, it provides practical skills and knowledge related to negotiation and interpretation of collective agreements that will prove useful if planning to practice in the field: insight into some of the main approaches to bargaining and the major principles that guide interpretation; an understanding of selected technical aspects of the process; and an appreciation of the manner in which the institution is being affected by changes in the workplace, society, and our global environment.

Outline

Unit 1: Winners and Losers in Collective Bargaining

• Lesson 1: Institutional Approach to Collective Bargaining
• Lesson 2: Collective Bargaining in Real Life
• Lesson 3: Conflict and Cooperation in the Workplace
• Lesson 4: The Collective Bargaining Environment

Unit 2: Parties to Collective Bargaining

• Lesson 5: Understanding Management: The Employer
• Lesson 6: Employees and Trade Unions in the Bargaining Relationship
• Lesson 7: Negotiating the Deal
• Lesson 8: Essential Features of Collective Bargaining

Unit 3: Legal and Political Aspects of Collective Bargaining

• Lesson 9: State Involvement in Collective Bargaining: Historical Roots
• Lesson 10: PC 1003 and the Post-War Compromise
• Lesson 11: Legal Framework for Bargaining: The Employment Contract and the Collective Agreement
• Lesson 12: The State in Industrial Relations: Theoretical Approaches
• Lesson 13: Public Sector Bargaining

Unit 4: Collective Bargaining Outcomes: The Agreement

• Lesson 14: The Content of the Collective Agreement
• Lesson 15: Drafting and Interpreting Contract Clauses
• Lesson 16: Grievance Arbitration: Its Role in Contract Design and Interpretation

Unit 5: The Bargaining Process

• Lesson 17: Bargaining Preparation and Techniques
• Lesson 18: Strategic and Tactical Issues in Bargaining
• Lesson 19: Legal Duties and Prohibitions on Collective Bargaining
• Lesson 20: Industrial Disputes and Dispute Resolution
• Lesson 21: Costing a Collective Agreement

Unit 6: Developments Affecting Collective Bargaining

• Lesson 22: Changes Affecting the Institution of Collective Bargaining
• Lesson 23: Challenges to the Legal Framework of Collective Bargaining
• Lesson 24: Globalization, the “New Economy” and “New Industrial Relations”
• Lesson 25: The Impact of New Technology
• Lesson 26: The Future of Work . . . and Collective Bargaining

Evaluation

To receive credit for IDRL 305, you must complete four assignments, participate in at least four of six end-of-unit class discussions, and write a final examination. The following chart summarizes each type of activity, its placement in the course, and the credit weight associated with each assignment.

Note: A pass will be awarded only if all three of the following conditions are satisfied: participation in at least four class discussions, a mark of at least “D” (50 percent) on the final examination, and a composite course mark of at least D.

Assign 1	Assign 2	Assign 3	Assign 4	Discussion	Final Exam	Total
15%	15%	15%	10%	10%	35%	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.