Industrial Relations (IDRL) 320

Overview

IDRL 320 is a senior-level introductory course that examines the legal framework of labour relations and collective agreements, introducing such areas as:

• the background and definitions of labour law
• the history and present position of the Canadian labour movement
• the role of government institutions in shaping and administration of the law and industrial relations policy
• the sources of labour law
• the law relating to collective relations, which includes trade unions and their organizations
• the right to organize
• the collective bargaining process
• industrial conflict
• the nature and administration of collective agreements

This course is written primarily for non-lawyer practitioners, trade unionists and their representatives, managers, employers, and employees, who are involved in workplaces where collective bargaining is practiced. It is intended for those whose work requires a detailed understanding of the law governing labour relations including collective bargaining, as well as those who just want to further their understanding of this important area of study.

Outline

Unit 1: The Background of Labour Law

Unit 2: Collective Labour Relations: Trade Unions

Unit 3: The Right to Organize

Unit 4: Legal Recognition of Collective Bargaining Rights

Unit 5: The Collective Bargaining Process

Unit 6: Industrial Conflict

Unit 7: Collective Agreements, the International Framework, and Conclusions

Evaluation

To receive credit for IDRL 320, you must obtain a mark of at least “D” (50 percent) on the final examination and a composite course grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the composite course grade is as follows. 

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