Enhancing Union-Management Relations Video Analysis

Overview, Enhancing Union-Management Relations The video Enhancing Union-Management Relations focuses on the goals of both the unions and management. The video points out that management tends to be more focused on profit oriented goals. Unions tend to be more focused on a healthy work environment as their main goal. This sometimes creates tension between the union and management. To drive profits a manager may not always have the employees wellbeing in mind. Unions, on the other hand are not concerned with profits and can make it difficult for management to run the company the way it needs to be run. Both parties can agree on working toward a safe and productive work environment. This would benefit both parties by having happy, productive

All of these tools are used by unions to leverage the company into giving into demands of the union. On the other side is the managements tools which include, court injunctions, replacement workers, employee lockout, and plant relocation which are use to continue production. Some of the tools on each side are more aggressive than others and may lead to strained working conditions once the main issue is resolved. Two examples of tools both sides use would be lobbying government officials and using the media to get their messages to the public.

Unions in Other Countries

Human Resource Managers should be aware of union activities in other countries because they may influence unions in the United States. The European unions have typically been stronger than the unions in the United States. By following some of the examples set by European unions the unions in the United States have become more on par with them. Now, Japan is emulating what they are seeing in United States unions. Management needs to remember that membership size can be used as a tool for unions to apply leverage.

Action

Although unions and management have different goals and tools to accomplish those goals they also use some of the same tools to accomplish the goals they share.

Natalie Nave:

Unions can be beneficial for different situations. The laws that have been written since the 1900’s were made for our benefit and make the union not so necessary in modern times. The Wagner act bans unfair labor practices while the Taft Harley act bans unions from coercing employees from exercising certain rights, along with the “yellow dog contracts” that make you become a member to be employed but receive no benefits. I don’t believe that the union would be beneficial unless you are in trouble at a company all the time or don’t do what you should be doing. But, everyone is different and we all have unique needs.

2) How can you apply what you have learned? What will you do, with whom, where, when, and, most importantly. Why?

Andrea