Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - LBST 309 D100

Labour and Collective Bargaining (3)

Class Number: 4946

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2021
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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 code, certification of bargaining units, the Rand formula, the negotiation process, strikes, mediation/conciliation/arbitration, grievance procedures and union busting/avoidance. This course features a negotiation and collective bargaining simulation exercise.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students taking this course will develop an understanding of:

  • the adversarial system of labour relations and its legal context;
  • historical evolution of union rights to organize, to bargain collectively and to strike;
  • the role of the courts, government, and labour relations boards.
  • the organizational structure of bargaining units;
  • the principles and outcomes of organizing, bargaining and dispute resolution processes;
  • the negotiating process within the context of labour relations and collective bargaining; and
  • the grievance and arbitration processes that enforce the agreement.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Brief assignments 10%
  • Negotiation assignment 1 10%
  • Negotiation assignment 2 20%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

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:

Technology

Students are required to have a webcam connected to a computer (not using a mobile phone), microphone (or computer-based microphone) and internet connection. Students are required to sign up for a Zoom account with the same email address registered with Simon Fraser University, and to provide it to the professor during first week of class.

Active Participation

Given the course goals and subject matter related to negotiation and collective bargaining, students must attend some sessions synchronously in order to benefit from the opportunity to learn through interacting with peers and the professor. Marks may be deducted if students are unable to participate in particular classes. Students will be encouraged to turn their cameras on throughout synchronous lectures and may be required to keep them on during some activities, especially during those related to negotiating, the midterm and final exam.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Doorey, D., & Braley-Rattai, A. (2020). Canadian Labour Relations: Law, Policy and Practice, 2nd Edition. Toronto, Canada: Emond Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-772556216

Fisher, R., Ury, W.L., Patton, B. (2011) 3rd Ed. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
ISBN: 978-0-143118756

RECOMMENDED READING:

Folger, J.P., Poole, M.S., & Stutman, R.K. (2018). Working Through Conflict: Strategies for relationships, groups, and organizations, 8th edition. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis Group.
ISBN: 978-1-315296296

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).