The Structure of Unions

Summary

This video explores the evolution of labor unions in Canada over the past 50 years, highlighting their role in industrial growth and the changing workforce. It discusses the structure of local unions, their interactions with management, and the process of contract negotiation. The video compares unions to government systems, outlining how unions function at local, provincial, and national levels. It also covers the legal procedures involved in strikes, including conciliation efforts and the role of government-appointed conciliators, showcasing how unions have adapted to maintain stability while advocating for workers' rights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Over the past 50 years, industry has overtaken agriculture as Canada's primary source of income, making Canada the world's third-largest industrial power.
• 😀 Over a third of all wage and salary earners in Canada are members of unions, which have grown alongside the country's industrial power.
• 😀 The union's basic unit is the local, which is self-governing in local affairs. Members elect their own executive and can be nominated by others.
• 😀 Success or failure within unions is determined by secret ballot, emphasizing democratic decision-making.
• 😀 Union locals primarily handle grievances related to workers' issues, such as poor working conditions, unfair treatment, or seniority disputes.
• 😀 The shop steward is the key representative on the factory floor, working directly with company foremen to resolve issues and represent union members.
• 😀 Unions negotiate contracts that establish wages, hours, and conditions of work. These contracts are negotiated independently, though they are bound by overall union policies.
• 😀 The union's overall structure includes many locals united for greater strength, with delegates attending regular conventions to make key decisions and elect leaders.
• 😀 Similar to government structures, unions have a multi-level system involving local, provincial, and national representation, ensuring that all levels of government are addressed.
• 😀 A major achievement of unions is the procedure for dealing with strikes, including the appointment of conciliators and the process for resolving disputes through conciliation boards.
• 😀 The local union retains the right to strike, with the decision ultimately lying with its members, who are also responsible for determining whether to go on strike after conciliation efforts fail.

Q & A

How has Canada's economy shifted over the past 50 years?

Over the last 50 years, industry has overtaken agriculture as Canada's chief source of income. Canada is now the world's third-largest industrial power.

What role do trade unions play in Canada?

Trade unions have grown significantly in Canada, with over a third of wage and salary earners being union members. They represent workers and address their grievances with employers.

What is the role of a union local?

A union local is a self-governing subdivision of a union, responsible for handling the daily affairs of the membership. It elects its own executive and negotiates contracts with management.

How do workers resolve disputes with management in the workplace?

When a worker has a grievance, they can appeal to the shop steward, who represents the union on the factory floor. The steward works with the foreman to resolve the issue.

What is the primary task of the union local in negotiations?

The primary task of a union local is to negotiate contracts that establish wages, hours, and working conditions. These contracts are usually negotiated independently but are bound by the union’s constitution and policies.

How do union locals interact with the larger union structure?

Each union local elects delegates to attend union conventions, which are held at regular intervals. These delegates make decisions on policies, and the executive board oversees union activities between conventions.

What similarities exist between unions and government structures in Canada?

There are parallels between unions and government structures in Canada. Citizens elect local, provincial, and federal governments, just as union locals elect delegates to different levels of the union for collective bargaining and policymaking.

What is the process when a strike is threatened?

When a strike is threatened, the parties involved must apply for a conciliator, who attempts to mediate a settlement. If the conciliator fails, a conciliation board is formed, and if this fails, the union local has the legal right to strike.

What role does a conciliator play in a labor dispute?

A conciliator is appointed by the government to hold hearings and try to find a basis for settlement between labor and management. If conciliation fails, they report to the Minister of Labour, who sets up a conciliation board.

What happens if conciliation efforts fail?

If conciliation efforts fail, the dispute is referred to a conciliation board made up of representatives from labor, management, and an impartial chairperson. If this fails, the union local has the right to strike with the approval of its members.