Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - LBST 309 E100

Labour and Collective Bargaining (3)

Class Number: 2608

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2025
    Mon, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Sonya Sabet-Rasekh
    ssabetra@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: 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 2018 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.  We will also review and discuss the 2024 consultation process for the latest review of the Labour Relations Code.

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%
  • Mid-Term Quiz 20%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Take-Home Test 20%
  • Participation (eg. in class and on discussion threads) 15%

NOTES:

There will be an online midterm quiz and a final take-home 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

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.