Final answer:
The formation of a bargaining unit involves declaring intent to unionize, setting a date for a secret ballot, campaigning, and voting; the specific procedures vary by country. Legislation plays a crucial role in determining the ease of union formation, as exemplified by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 and the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formation of a Bargaining Unit
The process of forming a bargaining unit, which is a group of employees with a clear interest in negotiating collectively with their employer, entails specific steps that vary by country. In the United States, these are the general steps to form a union:
- Announcement by a group of workers wishing to form a union.
- Setting an election date for a secret ballot to determine if employees want a union.
- Both the prospective union and the firm's management campaign respectively for 'yes' and 'no' votes, often involving outside consultants.
- If a majority votes 'yes', a union is formed to engage in collective bargaining.
By contrast, in Canada, a union can be established when a sufficient proportion of employees (typically around 60%) sign a card indicating their desire to unionize. Once this threshold is passed, the union is recognized without needing a secret ballot election.
The historical context in the U.S. shows that legislation plays a significant role in the ease of forming unions. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, also known as the Wagner Act, significantly boosted union growth by establishing the legal framework for workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. The passage of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 created a more complex legal environment, offering the option for states to enact 'right to work' laws that could lead to a decline in union membership.