HRMN 3841: Employee and Labour Relations
In this course, students examine the different aspects of union-management relations focusing on the Canadian experience. Topics include the characteristics of the Canadian labour relations environment; the legal framework that affects labour relations and workplaces; the history, origin, and structure of unions in Canada; union organizing and union philosophy; collective bargaining; strikes and lockouts; third-party interventions; and dispute resolution methods. Through applied learning activities and assessments, students will be able to understand, critically analyze, and apply collective bargaining processes and dispute resolution methods. Students will also be introduced to Indigenous perspectives on work and unionization and comparisons to international labour relations.
Learning outcomes
- Apply the legal framework that pertains to labour relations and the workplace.
- Discuss the history of the Canadian labour relations environment and the origin and impact of unionization on society, organizations, and individuals.
- Critique union philosophy.
- Evaluate management perspectives and strategies on labour relations.
- Discuss the formation, structure, and function of the Canadian labour movement.
- Evaluate models of collective bargaining and dispute resolution methods.
- Apply bargaining and grievance arbitration processes.
- Demonstrate and apply an understanding of dispute resolution methods.
Course topics
- Module 1: Introduction to Labour Relations in Canada
- Module 2: The History of Labour Relations in Canada
- Module 3: The Union Question—Origin and Function of Unions and Union Philosophy
- Module 4: Union Certification
- Module 5: Management Perspectives on Labour Relations
- Module 6: Collective Bargaining and the Bargaining Process
- Module 7: Strikes, Lockouts, and Third-Party Interventions in Collective Bargaining
- Module 8: Collective Agreement Administration
- Module 9: Future Issues in Canadian Labour Relations
Required text and materials
The following Open Education Resources (OER) textbook, free of charge, is required for this course:
- Reed, M. (2024). Labour Relations in Canada. TRU Open Press.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Key Historical Event Analysis | 10% |
| Assignment 2: ASK Wellness—The Union Question Case Study | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Collective Bargaining Simulation | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Grievance Analysis | 15% |
| Assignment 5: Preparing for Arbitration | 10% |
| Assignment 6: Future Issues in Labour Relations | 10% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 30% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
