Question

Bargaining between unions and management in the public sector can be not only newsworthy but also highly controversial.4 In 1967, the Canadian government gave federal public servants collective bargaining rights. Those rights gave public-service unions the right to choose whether to settle contract disputes by arbitration or by strike. Treasury Board President Tony Clement, who was responsible for federal labour issues, changed those rights in 2013 when he introduced sweeping reforms to the Public Service L

Answer 1

Collective bargaining is a negotiation process where workers and employers agree on employment conditions, and the process of forming a union differs between countries. In the U.S., a vote is needed, while in Canada, a simple card sign-up is sufficient. The historical context of U.S. labor laws shows fluctuating support for unionization.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Collective Bargaining and Union Formation

Collective bargaining is a negotiation process between employers and union representatives with the aim to establish fair terms and conditions of employment. The right to collective bargaining was legally recognized during the Great Depression as part of the labor laws, leading to the formal legalization of the labor movement. Meanwhile, striking refers to workers' refusal to work until their demands are met, which can be controversial, especially in the public sector where it might be illegal in certain regions.

The process of forming a union varies greatly between countries. For instance, in the United States, workers must vote during an election to decide on forming a union, which involves campaigns for and against unionization. In contrast, Canadian workers can establish a union by having a certain percentage of the workforce (approximately 60%) sign an official card indicating they want to form a union; no separate election is needed. Canadian management is also more restricted in lobbying against a union than in the U.S. because of different labor laws.

Historically, U.S. attitudes towards unions have shifted over time. Post World War II, the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 allowed workers to choose not to participate in unions, leading to a decline in union membership after an initial rise during the 1930s tied to the National Labor Relations Act of 1935.

Answer 2

The 2013 reforms to the Public Service Labour Relations Act significantly altered federal public servants' collective bargaining rights in Canada, specifically in the choice between arbitration and strike to settle contract disputes. These changes were introduced by Treasury Board President Tony Clement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 2013 reforms to the Public Service Labour Relations Act marked a pivotal shift in the bargaining landscape for federal public servants in Canada. Prior to these reforms, public-service unions had the autonomy to decide whether to resolve contract disputes through arbitration or by resorting to strikes. However, the introduction of sweeping changes by Treasury Board President Tony Clement altered this dynamic.

Under the revamped regulations, the power dynamics between unions and management underwent a transformation. The amendments curtailed the unions' flexibility by restricting their options in settling disputes. This change was particularly contentious as it limited the leverage of public-service unions and tilted the balance more in favor of management. The altered landscape spurred debates on the fairness and equity of the new regulations, with implications for the negotiation processes and outcomes in the public sector.

In conclusion, the 2013 reforms to the Public Service Labour Relations Act, spearheaded by Tony Clement, redefined the parameters of collective bargaining for federal public servants in Canada. The shift in decision-making power from unions to management in choosing dispute resolution mechanisms triggered debates on the implications for the overall negotiation process and the rights of public-service workers.

Complete Question:
Bargaining between unions and management in the public sector can be not only newsworthy but also highly controversial.4 In 1967, the Canadian government gave federal public servants collective bargaining rights. Those rights gave public-service unions the right to choose whether to settle contract disputes by arbitration or by strike. Treasury Board President Tony Clement, who was responsible for federal labour issues, changed those rights in 2013 when he introduced sweeping reforms to the Public Service Labour Relations Act.