Union Relations Certification
About Union Relations
Union relations refer to the relationship between an employer and a labor union, which represents a group of workers. This relationship is governed by labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and other legal and contractual agreements.
The main activities in union relations include:
Collective bargaining: negotiations between the employer and the union to determine wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment
Grievance procedures: processes for handling disputes and complaints that may arise between the employer and the union or individual workers
Labor contract administration: ensuring that the terms of the collective bargaining agreement are being followed and administered correctly
Labor-management relations: maintaining a positive and productive relationship between the employer and the union
Labor relations training: training management and employees on labor laws and best practices for union-management relations
Effective union relations are important for both the employer and the union as it can lead to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and labor stability. It also helps to minimize labor disputes and other disruptions to operations. However, sometimes the relationship between the employer and the union can be difficult, and disputes may arise. These disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, arbitration or legal action.
Who should take the Union Relations Certification exam?
Individuals who work in HR or labor relations, or those who are involved in negotiations with unions, such as management or labor representatives, may benefit from taking a Union Relations course.
Union Relations Certification Course Outline
A Union Relations course would typically cover a range of topics related to the management and administration of labor unions and their relationship with employers, including:
Introduction to union relations: Explanation of what union relations is, its purpose, and its role in the workplace.
Labor laws and regulations: Overview of the laws and regulations that govern labor unions and union-management relations, such as the National Labor Relations Act and state labor laws.
Union organization and structure: Overview of the organization and structure of labor unions, including the role of collective bargaining, strikes, and picketing.
Union-management relations: Overview of the relationship between labor unions and management, including negotiation, contract administration, and dispute resolution.
Union-management communication: Techniques for effective communication between labor unions and management, including negotiation, grievance procedures, and collective bargaining.
Union-management contracts: Overview of the negotiation, administration, and interpretation of union-management contracts, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Union organizing and campaigns: Overview of the process of union organizing and campaigns, including the role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and representation elections.
Union representation and employee rights: Overview of the rights of employees and the responsibilities of labor unions as representatives of employees.
Union-management relations in the public sector: Overview of the unique issues involved in union-management relations in the public sector, such as public sector collective bargaining laws and the role of public sector unions.
Union-management relations in the international context: Overview of the unique issues involved in union-management relations in an international context, such as cross-border collective bargaining and global labor standards.