FINAL PAPER HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - DUE IN 30 HOURS

Unit 8 – Labor Relations and Human Capital Management

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Unit 8 – Labor Relations and Human Capital Management

History of labor unions

Labor unions were developed in Europe during the Industrial Revolution when employees had little skills and power was shifted to the employers. There was an increase in the number of workers in various companies who needed representation. Many employees were either underpaid or treated unfairly hence the need for labor unions.

The building of railroads in the 1860s increased unionization in the United States. This is because those who worked in the railroad industry were paid very low wages. There was also a high threat of injury and death. Manu manufacturing companies during the time did not follow safety rules. Employees would frequently get injured at the workplace (Frymer et al, 2020). Several brotherhoods were formed to protect the rights of specific workers such as brakemen and conductors. However, the workers who joined them were fired.

The formation of the National Labor Union in 1866 paved the way for more labor organizations. The NLU was focused on limiting the number of working hours to eight. Its efforts led to the passing of the eight-hour workday. However, it did not defend the rights of female workers, African Americans, and Chinese workers. The Knights of Labor was formed during the 1880s and garnered supporters because it was focused on government reforms but not collective bargaining (Frymer et al, 2020). After the NLU was dissolved, The Knights of Labor became the favorite labor union for most workers. Many strikes initiated by the Knights of Labor led to salary increments for workers in various industries. However, it was unable to organize successful strikes when it started facing the issues of poor management and an autocratic structure.

The American Federal of Labor (AFL) was formed in 1886 as a result of the need for changes in the Knights of Labor. It focused on job security and higher wages. The Congress of Industrial Organizations was also formed during the 1930s due to political differences among members of the AFL. However, the two unions later joined and formed the AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO supports various unions in the United States.

Process of unionization and laws that relate to unionization

The unionization process can either start by employees contacting a labor union or the labor union contacting the employees. An initial organization meeting is held to gather the support of employees. The union then helps employees to obtain signatures to show that all of them are willing to join the union. More than 30 percent of employees should sign for a union to hold elections. The National Labor Relations Board administers the election. The union becomes the legal bargaining representative of the employees if 51 percent of the vote "yes".

The laws that relate to unionization include the Railway Labor Act, Norris-LaGuardia Act, Wagner Act, Taft-Harley Act, and Landrum Friffing Act. The Railway Labor Act includes provisions for arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution to resolve the labor disputes (Manzella et al, 2017). Processes for dispute resolution have been outlined by the Railway Labor Act. The disputes must be resolved following the laid processes before a strike happens.

The Norris-LaGuardia Act bars federal courts from issuing injunctions against the nonviolent labor disputes. The Wagner Act requires employers to refrain from interfering with or coercing any employee who joins a labor union. Employers cannot discriminate against the employees who join labor unions. Unions are required to submit their financial reports and hold secret elections by the Landrum Griffin Act.

References

Frymer, P., & Grumbach, J. M. (2020). Labor unions and white racial politics. American Journal of Political Science.

Manzella, P., & Koch, K. (2017). Legal and cultural implications inherent in managing multilingual and multicultural labor: Selected translation issues from the US national labor relations board. Lebende Sprachen, 62(1), 59-78.