1. How do public-sector employees' rights and interests differ from those of private-sector employees?
2. Managers resist unions for a variety of reasons, and as such, they can be expected to continue this opposition indefinitely. What side of this argument do you find yourself on? Present a case on whether you support or do not support this resistance.
3. Contract negotiations will typically reflect the current status of the economy, political and legal concerns, social factors impacting society in general, and other concerns held by management and labor. The issues can become complex, with each side presenting its view of what has changed in the economy, as well as its own needs for changes to wages and benefits and so forth. The proof that is brought to the bargaining table supports either management's perspective or that of the union. Play the role of a consultant to management.
A: Summarize for the management team the economic, political and legal, social, and other factors that you believe the union will integrate into its negotiations package.
B: Devise a counterproposal that management can bring to the table
4. The negotiation of the labor contract in the contemporary economy is a complex and difficult job. Evaluate the bargaining process, highlighting what is part of the early stages, the later stages, and the final stages.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using arbitration to settle nonlabor issues, such as consumer complaints, employer-employee disputes, and so on?
6. There are both advantages and disadvantages to AFL-CIO affiliation for national unions. Please discuss these
7. Recognizing the present-day circumstances in which you reply to this question, what do you believe to be the most important wage determinant in collective bargaining? Why?
8. Why might management or the union prefer to not have an arbitration provision in the contract?
9. Why is seniority often used in layoff and recall actions?