York University
School of Human Resources Management
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
HRM3422
Fall 2013
Prerequisites: AP/ADMS 2400 3.00. Course credit exclusions: None. Prior TO FALL
2009: Prerequisite: AK/ADMS 2400 3.00. Course credit exclusions: AK/ADMS 3310 3.00
(prior to Fall/Winter 1993-1994), AK/ADMS 3422 3.00.1
Course Description
All persons in Canada are affected by industrial relations. Whether they belong to a
union, manage in a unionized workplace or are part of the broader society, they are
impacted by labour disputes or receive goods and services produced by unionized
workers. This course is designed to further the student’s ability to analyze and apply
concepts of industrial relations in a large Canadian context as well as in a workplace
context.
Students will be expected to draw from many disciplines including economics,
sociology, business and sociology to analyze complex issues faced in industrial
relations. This course will take a two level approach to studying industrial relations.
First, students will build a broad understanding of the foundations of industrial
relations. This foundation includes the history of industrial relations, the impact of
unions on Canada as well as legal, political, social factors impacting industrial relations.
Second, students will be expected to apply deep knowledge in managing workplace
situations that arise in unionized workplaces. This includes interpreting collective
bargaining agreements, and understanding how to resolve disputes in a unionized
workplace.
This course will benefit students who plan to work in the fields of human resources or
other business related areas.
Course Learning Outcomes
1
http://bloodstone.atkinson.yorku.ca/domino/html/outlines/crsoutlines.nsf/webdi
splay-courseoutlines/2013f-aphrm3422b-03?OpenDocument
1. Discuss how the history of unions in Canada has impacted present day industrial
relations challenges and opportunities.
2. Discuss external and internal environmental factors that are influencing
individual unions and the Canadian labour movement.
3. Compare and contrast union and management perspectives on relevant
industrial relations topics.
4. Demonstrate effective techniques used in dispute resolution and collective
bargaining negation.
5. Interpret collective bargaining agreements in order to apply them to complex
industrial relations situations.
Text
Hebdon, Robert & Brown, Trevor C. Industrial Relations in Canada, second edition,
Nelson Education Ltd, Canada, 2012, ISBN-13: 978-0-17-650249-2.
Modes of Evaluation
Evaluation
Discussion Paper
Midterm
In-Class Activity
Grievance Simulation
 Paper
 Presentation
Final Exam
Weight
15%
20%
10%
15%
10%
30%
Late and Missed Evaluations
Please note that there is a zero tolerance policy for late or missed evaluations. All
deadlines and deliverables will be explained in class, reviewed online and can be found
in the weekly schedule. If a student misses a deadline they must notify the professor
within 24 hours of the missed deadline and produce a note for documented instance in
order to be given consideration.
Other Policies
This course will be governed by all relevant York University Policies.
Senate Policy on Academic Honesty (please see
http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/document.php?document=69 ).
Disability related policies: (please see http://accessibilityhub.info.yorku.ca/).
Weekly Schedule
Week Topics Covered
Chapters In-Class
Activities/Evaluations
1
Introduction, review of class
overview and policies
1
Introduction to Industrial
Relations
2
Legal, Economic, Social and
Political Environments
2 and 3
3
History and Impacts of Unions in
Canada
4 and 10
4
Examining the Union Perspective
5
Discussion Paper Due in class
5
Examining the Management
Perspective
6
Midterm review
6
Review requirements for
discussion paper assignment
MIDTERM
7
Collective Agreement
Administration
8
8
Negotiations
7
9
Strike and Dispute Resolution
9
10
Examining CBA’s
Collective Bargaining Paper
due
11
Examining CBA’s
Collective Bargaining
presentations
12
Current Issues in Industrial
Relations
In-Class Activity –Prep Work
for Collective Bargaining
Simulation
11 and 12 Final Exam Review
Final Exam to be held During Exam Period
Cumulative Exam 30%