Title: Online Course Assignments: Module 5 Discussion and Assignment Workbook

 Module 5 Discussion

Topic 1: Third Party Assistance in Reaching Agreement

Activity 1: Characteristics of Mediators

Read “Mediator Profile”. As you read, consider if you think you would make a good mediator. Do you think it would be difficult to remain impartial and sustain the confidentiality of the parties? Why or why not? Do you think the skills and attributes of a good mediator are inborn, or can they be learned?

Number of words: 281

Activity 2: Third Party Assistance in Your Jurisdiction

Evaluate the Third Party Assistance provisions of your province. If you are reviewing the British Columbia provisions, you must also read the “Guide to the British Columbia Labour Relations Code” about regarding mediation and dispute resolution help.

In your reflective journal, describe the categories of third party assistance that are available in your province (British Columbia) and a short description of each. Do you think that this scheme is efficient in helping assisting parties to settle disputes?

Number of words: 522 

Activity 4: Consumer Leafleting and Picketing

In your reflective journal, consider if you think Westfair Foods was successful in its application. Is this picketing or consumer leafleting? Read the real conclusion of the case, WESTFAIR FOODS LTD. (SHOP EASY DIVISION) and UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 1518. Are you surprised at the decision? Does it seem fair?

Number of words: 271

Topic 3: Government as Employer and Lawmaker

Activity 5: Public Sector Strikes and Dispute Procedures

Read pages 430-436 of the text by Gunderson and colleagues (2004) to learn more about strikes and dispute procedures in the public sector. As you read, consider a recent public sector bargaining dispute (for example, teachers, police officers, nurses...). How was the dispute settled? Was there a mediator involved? An arbitrator? Essential service designations? Emergency legislation? Do you think it was addressed in the most effective way? Why or why not? 

Number of words: 363

Activity 6: Essential Services

Read the “Guide to the Labour Relations Code” about essential services. 

 In your reflective journal, consider the parameters that would be used to decide the essential services levels. Can it be done strictly on a percentage basis (for example, cut all floors' coverage by 50$ Are there safety concerns? Does this seem like an effective technique?

Read a real essential services adjudication case, HEALTH EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ON BEHALF OF ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, BRITISH COLUMBIA NURSES' UNION, and HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES UNION. Are you surprised at the detail that goes into this kind of case? Do you feel the adjudicator might make an informed decision about safe essential services levels given the amount of information placed before him or her?

Number of words: 170

Number of words for Module 5 Discussion: 1, 607 (5.3 pages)

Module 5 Assignment

Part A: Federal Third Party Assistance Options

In the “Third Party Assistance in Your Jurisdiction” activity in Topic 1, you considered the third party assistance options for employers covered by the provincial labour legislation in your jurisdiction. Review the Canada Labour Code. Explain how an employer in the federal jurisdiction (for example, an airline) and its unions are required or may decide to use third party assistance once collective bargaining reaches a stalemate.

Number of words: 339

Part B: Replacement Workers

Only a few jurisdictions in Canada, including British Columbia, have legislation banning the use of replacement workers. The prohibition of replacement workers continues to be a controversial topic in labour relations.

Consider if you think banning replacement workers is successful or if it excessively gives the unions an advantage. Are there any options?

Do you think that banning replacement workers leads to fewer, shorter strikes or more, lengthier ones? How do you feel about crossing a picket line?

Once you have written your answer, consider some practical studies that have been done on this issue. You can find a summary of these on pages 364-367 and Exhibit 12.9 in your text by Gunderson, Ponak, & Taras (2004). Consider the outcomes of these studies. Does this reading change your mind about replacement workers?

Number of words: 399

Part C: Public Sector Strikes

In the “Public Sector Strikes and Dispute Procedures” activity in Topic 3, you read about the capability of public sector workers to participate in strikes. Consider the pros and cons of allowing public sector workers to strike. Come to a conclusion about the argument you feel is the most persuasive. In your answer, make sure you give at least one example of a particular category of public sector employee in Canada who is not permitted to strike and one who is (albeit possibly in a restricted manner).

Number of words: 298

Part D: Major Module Assignment

Case Study: Joe's Lawnmowers

What do you tell management about if the workers calling in sick comprise a strike? What do you tell management about the legitimacy of the picketing?

Number of words: 339

Total Number of Words for Module 5 Assignment: 1, 375 (pages)

Total Number of Words for Module 3 Discussion and Assignment: 2, 982 (approximately 10 pages)