Sociology 325
Week 12 Review Questions
Due on Tuesday March 29, 2011
This week’s reading include Chapter 4 from the Chaison book Unions in America, two
short sheets about unions dues, two short articles about contract negotiations between
SEIU and employers, and a contract. DO NOT PRINT OUT THE CONTRACT. It’s huge
and you can answer the questions viewing on your computer. I have also included a
handout on Collective Bargaining. There are no questions on this reading, but you should
read it. It will help you understood the material I review in class next week. As always, if
you quote the text in your answer, it should look like this: Eimer begins his argument by
stating “I’m surprised that many undergraduates do not do their readings. They’re
missing out on a big part of the learning process”(Eimer 2006:11). Eimer is the author,
2006 is the publication year, and 11 is the page the quote appeared on. THERE ARE 8
questions.
Chaison
1. Briefly explain the difference between distributive and integrative bargaining. Be sure
to provide an example of each.
2. Chaison notes that collective bargaining has two faces: “it is first about getting
agreement before going to the bargaining table and then getting agreement at the table.”
Please explain what he means by the first part of that sentence: “it is first about getting
agreement before going to the bargaining table.” Be sure to provide an example to
illustrate your explanation.
3. Define concessionary bargaining. Provide one example from the text of a union that
has engaged in concessionary bargaining. Be sure to explain what concessions were
made.
4. Briefly explain what a permanent striker replacement is? When can companies hire
permanent striker replacements, do you think it empowers unions or employers? Why? In
many Canadian provinces, it is illegal to use permanent replacement workers. Do you
think this empowers unions or employers? Why?
NYT Articles on SEIU
5. Please identify one of the subjects of collective bargaining that SEIU and the Realty
Advisory Board were negotiating over. Briefly describe the two positions on the subject.
6. In some ways collective bargaining is like a game of poker. Do you think SEIU’s
threat to strike strengthened its hand, or weakened it? Why?
SEIU Contract
7. Joe’s Dad died on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Joe took off so he could
attend the wake and funeral. His boss says he cannot get paid for those days. What does
the contract say about Bereavment? Is Joe entitled to pay for the days he took off?
8. Read Article 2, part 2.1. Is this workplace an open shop or a union shop? Please
explain the reasoning behind your answer.