Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - LBST 309 E100

Labour and Collective Bargaining (3)

Class Number: 2685

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2022
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Sonya Sabet-Rasekh
    ssabetra@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 6080
    Office Hours: Wed 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., by appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101 and at least one other Labour Studies course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to collective bargaining: it will cover the legal requirements of the Labour Code, the bargaining process and the organizational structure and components of collective agreements, including the grievance-arbitration process.

COURSE DETAILS:

Labour and Collective Bargaining covers the basics of labour relations as it applies to union organization, collective bargaining, contract administration and dispute resolution. We will examine the historical, legal, social and economic frameworks of the unionized workplace, including aspects such as the Labour Relations Code which regulates collective bargaining in B.C., the certification of bargaining units, the Rand formula, contract costing, the negotiation process, strikes, mediation/conciliation/arbitration, equity bargaining, public sector unions, grievance procedures and union busting/avoidance.  In addition, throughout our discussions in class, we will be reviewing and examining the latest report published by the Labour Relations Code Review Panel, “Recommendations for Amendments to the Labour Relations Code”, the result of the first full review of the Labour Relations Code, since 1992.

This course features a collective bargaining simulation exercise. A significant portion of the readings and class discussion preliminary to the bargaining simulation is intended to provide background and a foundation for that exercise.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students taking this course will develop an understanding of:

  1. the adversary system of labour relations and its legal context
  2. historical evolution of union rights to organize, to bargain collectively and to strike;
  3. the organizational structure of bargaining units;
  4. the elements of collective agreements;
  5. the principles and outcomes of organizing, bargaining and dispute resolution processes;
  6. grievance/arbitration processes that enforce the agreement and
  7. the role of the courts, government, and labour relations boards.

Grading

  • Assignment #1 - Short Paper 15%
  • Online Mid-Term Quiz 20%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Take-home Test 20%
  • Participation (E.g. in class and on discussion threads) 15%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

REQUIREMENTS:

There will be a midterm quiz and a final test in this course. A research term paper will also be required on a topic that explores an aspect of collective bargaining of special interest to the student.  Final term papers will total approximately 12 pages, double-spaced and critically engage an appropriate range of scholarly publications. Seminar participation and participation in the collective bargaining simulation are integral to the course.

All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Links to download online copies of the required readings from the SFU library will be posted on Canvas. 

The Labour Relations Code, and the Labour Relations Code Review Panel’s “Recommendations for Amendments to the Labour Relations Code” is available online and will be posted on Canvas.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.