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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

HRMN 3841: Employee and Labour Relations

Students examine the different aspects of union management relations focusing on the Canadian experience. Topics include an introduction to industrial relations; theories of industrial relations; the history and structure of unions in Canada; union organizing; collective bargaining; strikes and lockouts; third-party interventions including conciliation, mediation and arbitration; grievance arbitration; changes to the union or employer; and future issues in Canadian unionism.

Learning outcomes

  • Differentiate between labour and employee relations.
  • Discuss the origins, functions and future of unions.
  • Describe the history and structure of unions in Canada.
  • Identify the reasons for unionism.
  • Explain the steps in the union organizing process and the role of labour relations boards.
  • Formulate collective agreement language that reflects the preferred positions of employers and unions in relation to key contractual terms.
  • Critique the different models for negotiating a collective agreement.
  • Apply methods for resolving contractual disputes including strikes and lockouts and third-party intervention techniques.
  • Demonstrate the administration of a collective agreement through the grievance and arbitration process.
  • Summarize successorship, the decertification process and the effect union mergers, workplace restructuring, and technology change have on the union-employer relationship.

Course topics

  • Introduction to Industrial Relations
  • Theories of Industrial Relations
  • History and Structure of Unions in Canada
  • Union Organizing and Recognition
  • Collective Bargaining
  • Strikes and Lockouts
  • Third-party Interventions
  • Grievance Arbitration
  • Changes to the Union or the Employer
  • Future Issues in Canadian Unionization

Required text and materials

McQuarrie, F. Industrial Relations in Canada. 4th edition. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Wiley, (2015).
Type: Text: ISBN 978-1-118-87839-2

Additional requirements

Computer with Internet access required.

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 10%
Assignment 2 16%
Assignment 3 18%
Journal Entries 16%
Final Exam* 40%
TOTAL 100%

* Mandatory

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.

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