University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management Spring Semester 2009
Canadian Trade Unions (Mgt 3390A) Course Outline
Faculty member Ian B. McKenna
Phone (329)-2167; e-mail mckenna@uleth.ca ; office E530 U HALL
Objectives of the course
The course objectives are to examine critically the history, nature, purposes, functions,
and activities of trade unions in Canada from various theoretical and ideological
perspectives. We consider the historical, economic, social and political environment in
which Canadian trade unions operate. This will be done through readings, class
discussion, presentations by trade union representatives and visiting the websites of
Canadian trade unions.
Classroom, time and office hours
Classes are on Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. in U Hall B756. Note there is
no class on February 17th and 19th. Please note that these dates fall in READING WEEK.
Good Friday 10th April and Easter Monday 13th April do not affect the class schedule.
Last class of this course is on Thursday April 16.
Please note that the final examination is scheduled for Monday April 27 from 2 till 5
p.m. If you have travel plans to leave the University before the exam date, please do
not register in this course as no alternative arrangements can be made to write the
exam.
Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 3:00 till 4:00 p.m. in E530. Appointments can be
arranged outside regular office hours.
Text and other readings
Textbook (to be purchased by students) John Godard, "Industrial Relations, the
Economy and Society" (3rd edition, Captus Press, York University, 2005). Further
material will be placed on Library Reserve. Students are also encouraged to search for
sources of information including those cited in the bibliography of the textbook and on
the websites of trade unions and other labour organizations.
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Evaluation
Scale
A+ 95-100%; A 90-94; A- 85-89; B+ 80-84; B 75-79; B- 70-74;
C+ 67-69; C 63-66; C- 60-62; D+ 55-59; D 50-54; F <50%
Methods
1. Mid term examination based on text readings. Worth 20% of your grade. The
format of tests will be multiple choice and short answer questions. Duration of exam – 70
minutes. You will be graded according to your demonstrated knowledge of concepts and
information covered in selected chapters of the textbook and other material referred to in
class and available on Library Reserve. Date of midterm exam Thursday February 26.
2. Class participation. Throughout the semester, students will be asked questions in class
on issues and concepts addressed in the textbook and readings on library reserve. You
will be assessed on the range of knowledge demonstrated and the clarity of your
communication. Feedback and an assessment of the student’s contribution will be
provided by e-mail prior to the following class. You will also be required to ASK
QUESTIONS IN CLASS relating to course content. Class participation is worth 10%
of your course grade. CLASS PARTICIPATION REQUIRES YOUR REGULAR
PRESENCE IN CLASS. A STUDENT WITH MORE THAN 3 UNEXCUSED
ABSENCES WILL RECEIVE A FAIL MARK FOR CLASS PARTICIPATION.
3. In-class group presentation Each group of three students (or two students depending
on class numbers) will make a presentation to class on one trade union active in Canada.
Presentations should be of around 15 minutes and must involve each student in research,
preparation and presentation. Further details will be circulated prior to commencement of
such presentations. This counts for 15% of your course grade. Class presentations will
commence on Tuesday February 10th.
4. Group term paper. Students in groups of three will present a paper of between 3500
and 4000words. For a group of two students, the expected length is 2700 to 3200 words.
This paper is worth 25% of the course grade. The paper must be submitted on or before
Thursday March 26. Please form your own groups. Please note that if you form a
group of two students I may have to add a third person.
5. Final exam on all matters covered during the semester. The exam is scheduled for
Monday April 27 from 2 till 5 p.m. Note that no alternative arrangements will be
made for the final examination. This represents 30% of the course grade
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Course outline
List of topics. The order may vary according to the availability of
visiting speakers.
1. Introduction to critical thinking (Library reserve)
2. Introduction to trade unions. Perspectives of labour-management relations. Basic
concepts, issues and debates. (Text ch.1)
3. The broader debate and the theses of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. (ch.2)
4. Understanding labour management relations - conflict and co-operation (ch.3)
5. Historical perspective of industrial relations and unions in Canada (ch.4)
6. Understanding management – approaches/practices of management (chs.5-6)
7. Unions as institutions and organizations (Text chs.7-8)
8. The role of the State (Text chs.9-10)
9. Collective bargaining, labour law and strikes-lockouts. (Text chs. 12-15)
10 Contemporary issues of concern to unions and workers. (Visiting speakers,
websites of trade unions and other labour organizations, and other readings to be
placed on Library Reserve). Issues include: working conditions, job security,
health and safety at work, wages and benefits, privatization of public services,
maintaining professional standards, organizing the unorganized, young workers
and unions, women and unions, sweatshops and related international matters,
political lobbying of unions.
11. Future challenges and alternatives to unions. (Text ch.16). Workers’
co-operatives as an alternative form of workplace governance. (Library Reserve)
Note that not all topics may be covered if there is particular interest in other
topics. The final exam questions will deal only with issues covered in class.
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