Instructor: / Brian Loher, Ph.D. / Class: / MWF / 1:30 / - / 2:20 / PM
Phone: / 662-4777 / Class Location: / South Hall 208
Office: / South Hall 152
E-mail: / / Office Hours: / Mon / 9:45 / - / 11:15 / AM
Credit Hours: / 3 / Wed / 9:45 / - / 11:15 / AM
Prerequisite: / 15+ college credits completed / Thu / 9:00 / - / 11:00 / AM
Web Site: /
(All updates posted on Web site) / Other times by arrangement
Required Texts / Fossum, J. A. (2012). Labor relations: Development, structure, process (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Dilts, D. A. (2007). Cases in collective bargaining and industrial relations: A decisional approach (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Plus multiple Web sites and other resources as assigned or recommended.
Course Description
(University) / “Labor relations are part of the organizational landscape in manufacturing, service, government, and professional sports. Course examines the history of unions, the organizing process, roles of both parties in contract negotiation and administration, strikes and conflict resolution, grievances, and arbitration processes."
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
By the end of this course, students should be able torecognize, list, describe, or discuss: / Activities Where Students Demonstrate CSLO or PSLOs / Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)*
- Highlights from history of organized labor in U.S.
- Functions, titles, processes, and implications of major labor-related laws, including National Labor Relations Act and Labor Management Relations Act.
- Organization, roles, and functions of NLRB, and affiliated departments.
Case Discussions / PSLO 1, PSLO 2
PSLO 4
- Typical organizational structure of local and national unions.
Current Status Presentation / PSLO 1, PSLO 4
- Certification and decertification processes and relevant limits on behavior.
Case Discussions / PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4
- Required steps when ending/modifying a collective bargaining agreement.
Simulation
Case Discussions / PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4
- Strikes, dispute resolution techniques, including mediation and interest arbitration.
Case Discussions / PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4
- Grievance arbitration, including phases or steps in grievance arbitration before, during, and after hearing
Simulation / PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4
- Differences and similarities between private and public-sector employers as they affect collective bargaining.
Case Discussions / PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4
- Labor relations in other countries.
Country Presentation / PSLO 1, PSLO 4
*APA – Undergraduate Psychology Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs- Adopted by MU Psychology 5/11/15)
Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology: “Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.”
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: “The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.”
Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: “The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.”
Goal 4: Communication: “Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.”
Goal 5: Professional Development: “The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.”
Source: American Psychological Association. (2013). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0. Retrieved from
Tests / There will be 5 exams, each worth 40 points. Exams consist of short- and long-answer items and cover material from class, the texts, and Web sites. Study guides for each exam will be available from the class web site 1 week before the scheduled date for the test.A missed exam must be made up prior to the date for the next exam. Evidence of cheating will result in zero points for an exam.
Simulations / We will do 2 simulations: (1) a private sector collective bargaining session (2 days); and (2) a grievance arbitration hearing. You will be organized in teams to prepare for and implement the simulations. Each simulation will involve considerable preparation time outside of class. You cannot work alone on these simulations. Your simulation scores will be based on contribution to preparation, as assessed by your team-mates, and performance during the simulation. Combined, the simulations will be worth a total of 50 points.
Cases / We will discuss seven cases from the Dilts (2007) text. You are expected to provide written analyses (typed, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point font) to the questions following 4of these cases. Analyses should be between 1 and 3 pages in length and are due at the conclusion of our case discussion. Use APA writing style (6th ed.) to cite and give references for all relevant supporting documents or Web sites. Each case analysis is worth up to 5 points and may be suitable for inclusion as an artifact in the “Critical Thinking Abilities” section of your Psychology Department portfolio.
Current Status Presentation / In pairs, you will research and deliver a brief presentation regarding a major U.S. union on September 29th. You must go beyond the text and in-class material. Using three or more credible sources, the presentation should include information about the history of the union, its current mission and membership, and issues of importance to the present and future of that union. The presentation must give credit for the sources of the information and should NOT simply be slides downloaded from an existing Internet site (i.e., the union’s site). The current status presentation is worth up to 10 points.
Country Presentation / Labor laws and regulations can be very different outside the U.S. When we cover international labor relations, your two-person team will select a country, research how it deals with labor-management issues, and develop a presentation to the class. As before, you must go beyond text or in-class material and give credit to your sources. The presentation may not be composed of downloaded slides. The country presentationswill occur on December4thand are worth up to 10 points.
Extra Credit - Current Events Summaries / For extra credit points, you may write a two-paragraph, typed summary for up to 2 articles regarding Labor Relations issues from newspapers, magazines, or Internet news sites in the U.S. or other countries. For example, you may use an article discussing an ongoing contract negotiation, strike situation, etc. If you are in doubt as to whether the article will count, please ask me before you do the write-up. The article must have appeared in print or on the relevant Web site after August 27th, 2017 and on or before December 4th, 2017. Extra credit current event summaries must be turned in on or beforeDecember 4th, 2017.
One paragraph of the summary should describe the article’s main points IN YOUR OWN WORDS. The second paragraph must discuss an implication of the event for Labor Relations. Print the first page of the article and attach it to your summary. Each current event summary is worth 3 extra credit points (total = 6 points). A cover page is not necessary for current event summaries.
Final Grades / Final grades are based on TOTAL POINTS. The scale is based on 295 points (out of 305 possible).
A / 276 & above / B- / 240 - 245 / D+ / 204 - 209
A- / 270 - 275 / C+ / 234 - 239 / D / 186 - 203
B+ / 264 - 269 / C / 216 - 233 / D- / 180 - 185
B / 246 - 263 / C- / 210 - 215 / F / 179 & below
Attendance / Mansfield University Attendance Policy: “Regular and punctual class attendance is expected. Documented excuses because of illness, serious mitigating circumstances, or official university representation will be accepted by all faculty members and will permit students to make up missed tests and/or graded assignments in a reasonable manner at a time agreeable to instructor and student. Students must provide documentation before absences can be excused. All instructors are expected to make their class participation and attendance policies clear in the course syllabi.”
Class Policy: Consistent with University policy, I take attendance at the start of each class. You are expected to attend all sessions. If you accumulate more than 3 unexcused absences, your final total is reduced by 2 points for EACH additional absence. Excused absences (e.g., due to illness, bad weather, military service, official university-sponsored activities, away games in athletics, etc.) will not be penalized given appropriate documentation, with the exception described below. For university activities, the document must be dated and from an appropriate university sponsor. You have one calendar week after your return to present appropriate paperwork. Documentation is due by December 8thfor absences during the final week of classes.
I am required to report anyone who misses over two consecutive classes with no explanation.
Be on time! Tardiness is a very bad habit. Class begins promptly at 1:30. Persons who persistently arrive after 1:30 without a documented excuse may not be allowed to sign the attendance roster for that day. Tell me if you have class, work, practice, rehearsal, or an activity that will consistently make you late.
If you leave the classroom more than once during the class period you may not be credited with having attended. Excessive coming and going is disruptive to the classroom environment. Let me know if you are ill and I will work with you on missed information.
Persons observed to be texting, reading, working on material from other courses, or “social chatting” may not be credited with having been in attendance.
/ VERY, VERY IMPORTANT: If you miss more than twelve class sessions in total (i.e., four weeks out of the semester) FOR ANY COMBINATION OF REASONS, including excused absences, you should withdraw or you will be assigned a grade of “F” regardless of your performance on tests and exercises. In-class questions, discussions, simulations, and lectures cover critical information for your success in the course. You must be here! It is easy for things to go downhill if you repeatedly miss class. If you contract a major illness or are struggling with other issues, let me know as soon as possible. We can discuss your options. If necessary, the deadline for withdrawing from Fall 2017 courses is November 3rd. PSY 4415will next be offered in Fall 2019.
Texting, Surfing, iPads, etc. / Please check your messages before or after class time. Texting, Facebooking, web surfing, listening to iPods/MP3 players or use of other devices are not allowed during class time. All such devices should be turned off or to “vibrate” and ear buds removed before class begins. If it is critical to leave the device turned up (e.g., spouse may go into labor), let me know ahead of class.
Honor Code
/ It is expected that all participants and the instructor will act in a manner consistent with the principles and commitments of the Psychology Department Honor Code. See:Academic Integrity(University)
/ “The integrity of all scholarly work is at the foundation of an academic community. Students are expected to do their own academic work. Dishonesty in academic work, including cheating, academic misconduct, fabrication, or plagiarism, is unacceptable. Faculty are expected to instruct students in ways of avoiding these forms of academic dishonesty. Faculty are also responsible for assessing and reporting all charges of academic dishonesty to the appropriate Dean. MU’s Academic Integrity Policy can be found at and the Academic Dishonesty Form may be accessed here or from the Academic Affairs website.”Students Requesting Academic and/or Access Accommo-dations(University)
/ “Students with documented learning disabilities, physical challenges, or other significant medical conditions that may affect their learning in this course should meet with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator in the SSD Office located in the Department of Academic and Human Development (144 South Hall, Phone: 570/662-4436) as soon as possible. It is recommended that students contact the SSD Coordinator during the first two weeks of classes in order to ensure accommodations are met in an efficient, appropriate, and timely manner for the best student learning outcome. The Coordinator will arrange to provide your professors with a suitable letter so that we may serve your particular needs more effectively. If you have a disability that requires classroom or testing accommodations, the Coordinator will also clarify appropriate arrangements.”Student Consumer Rights & Responsi-
bilities
(University) / “The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) (HEOA) was enacted on August 14, 2008, and reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The HEOA (2008) requires colleges and universities to provide students with information necessary to make informed decisions concerning their educational experiences. Mansfield University strives to serve its students fairly and equitably. The following MU website provides an inclusive list by topic of student consumer rights and responsibilities:
Copyright
(University) / “The University fully supports the Copyright Laws of the United States. Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to any original work in any tangible medium of expression. Images displayable on computer screens, computer software, music, books, magazines, journals, photographs, and articles are among items subject to copyright. A work need not be explicitly labeled with a copyright notice to be afforded copyright protection. For more information on Copyright please consult the Mansfield University Copyright Information website:
Title IX and Protection of Minors Legislation: Reporting Obligations
(University) / “Mansfield University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environment for all students.
Title IX Requirements: In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and guidance from the Office for Civil Rights, the University requires faculty members to report incidents of sexual violence shared by students to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The only exceptions to the faculty member’s reporting obligation under Title IX are when incidents of sexual violence are communicated by a student during a classroom discussion, in a writing assignment for a class, or as part of a University-approved research project. Kacy Hagan () serves as Mansfield University’s Title IX Coordinator. Additional information regarding the reporting of sexual violence and the resources that are available to victims of sexual violence is set forth at: (Title IX Resources), and (Sexual Misconduct Victims’ Bill of Rights) Reports of Title IX matters should be directed to .
Protection of Minors Requirements: Faculty members are obligated to report sexual violence or any other abuse of a student who was, or is, a child (a person under 18 years of age) when the abuse allegedly occurred, to Director of Human Resources Kacy Hagan (), as designated in the University’s protection of minors policy. No exceptions apply to this reporting obligation. Mansfield University’s Protection of Minors policy is available at
VeryTentative Schedule - PSY 4415 – Fall 2017 / All changes will be posted electronically
Date / Topic / Text / Case Book:
Pages / Case #
August
/ 28 / Course Overview30 / U.S. Labor Relations Overview / 1
September
/ 1 / Historical Background / 23 / Last Day to Drop/Adda Course
4 / Labor Day Holiday
6 / Historical Background / 2
8 / Legal and Regulatory Environment / 3 / 3-6
11 / Legal Environment / 3
13 / Test 1 / 3 / 6-8; 24-26
15 / Organization & Functions of the NLRB / 33-34
18 / NLRB & Unfair Labor Practices / 8-17; 20-22; 34-42 / 4
20 / Unfair Labor Practices
22 / Major Unions and Associations of Unions / 4, 5
25 / Representation Process and Elections / 6 / 18-20; 38-39 / 13
27 / Representation Elections / 7
29 / “Current Status” Presentations
October
/ 2 / Test 24 / The Collective Bargaining Process / 8 / 17-18 / 7
6 / Collective Bargaining - Wage Issues / 9
9 / Collective Bargaining - Benefit Issues / 9
11 / Collective Bargaining - Other Issues / 10
13 / Negotiation Tactics / Midterm Grades Due / 11 / 17
16 / Prepare for Bargaining Simulation / Begin Spring 2018 Registration
18 / Private Sector Bargaining Session I
20 / Private Sector Bargaining Session II
23 / Fall Break
25 / Test 3
27 / Strikes / 12 / 23
30 / Alternative Dispute Resolution in Bargaining / 12 / 26-28;
42-46
November
/ 1 / Contract Terms, Outcomes, and Administration / 143 / Grievance Process / Last Day to Withdraw / 14 / 165-168 / 54
6 / Grievance Arbitration / 15 / 169-183
8 / Prepare for Arbitration Hearing
10 / Grievance Arbitration Hearing Simulation
13 / Test 4
15 / Public Sector Labor Relations / 16
17 / Public Sector Labor Relations / 16 / 55
20 / “Right to Work” & Other Recent Developments
22-24 / Thanksgiving Break
27 / International Labor Relations / 17
29 / International Labor Relations / 17
December
/ 1 / Workforce for International Events4 / Country Presentations / Last Day for Extra Credit Sum.
6 / Future of Labor Relations
8 / Catch-Up Day
13 / Test 5 – Finals Week - Wednesday, 1:00 PM
1