A personally revealing, politically astute memoir by a former Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board.

AgMotiv is a manufacturer of manure spreaders whose hourly employees are represented by the United General Laborers International (UGLI) union, in a right-to-work state (union membership optional). Meet Travis Tee, the shop union business agent, who suffers from a mild case of Tourettes Syndrome and entertains frequent vivid fantasies about being a world renown union leader. Dewey Dumphrey, is a dimwitted shop steward with single goal of impressing Travis Tee. Anita Kloo, is the only female shop steward who hates men and sees any action taken against her or other women as sexual harassment or gender discrimination. On the opposite side are the non-union members including Toivo Jurva, a likeable and imaginative shop employee. Travis Tee struggles to keep his union local relevant in the face of an increasing level of job satisfaction within the hourly ranks. Anita Kloo adds to his headaches when she makes a federal case over an accidental bump from a non-union coworker in the company cafeteria igniting a battle between the union members and a rebellious group of scabs. Then his life takes an unexpected turn for the worse while walking a picket line.

A personally revealing, politically astute memoir by a former Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board.

John Budd continues to present the most dynamic, engaging approach to understanding labor relations in the 21st century with Labor Relations, 2/e. Budd’s well-received and award-winning presentation shows labor relations as a system for striking a balance between employment relationship goals (efficiency, equity, and voice) and between the rights of labor and management. Labor Relations moves beyond a process-based focus in studying this topic by placing the discussion of contemporary U.S. processes into the context of underlying themes: what are the goals of the system; are those goals being fulfilled; and are reforms needed. Central topics are placed in the broader context of the goals of the employment relationship, conflicting rights, and the environment of the 21st Century. Budd’s broader context therefore makes labor relations more engaging and relevant to students. It also allows instructors to raise important “big picture” ideas that go beyond mere how-to descriptions.

This comprehensive text provides the latest information available on current research studies, issues and events in labor relation. The book integrates real-world examples and quotes from practitioners in order to bring the dynamics of the field to life. Labor Relations Process examines the labor movement from its inception to current and emerging trends, including such topics as unions, labor agreements, collective bargaining and labor relations in various business segments including government, white collar non-traditional and foreign.The book gives an in-depth analysis of the complete relationship between management and labor are fully explored, including an examination of the rights and responsibilities of unions and management and negotiation and administration of labor agreements. Other topics that are explored include the results of the labor relations process and collective bargaining issues as well as the labor relations process to different work arrangements.

Employment is closely connected to wealth, status, and security and is therefore a subject of interest across a range of academic disciplines. Employment Relations in the United States incorporates a wealth of research material from these different specialties to provide a historical perspective on the American workplace and the evolution of legal policies affecting employment. The analysis follows both a chronological and thematic arrangement, beginning with the importance of management practices, the growth of labor organizations and the impact of collective bargaining on employment institutions, and the subsequent rise of individual employment rights enforced through administrative and judicial means. Through its evolutionary approach, the book explains the fragmented, overlapping, and conceptually confusing regulatory environment governing workplace relations. It offers an integrated approach to such important contemporary policy issues as health care coverage, pensions, and effective dispute procedures. The book provides an analytical framework for an understanding of the unique nature of our labor markets and the role of government, employers, and unions. Key Features Provides students with the historical background they need to understand how the U.S. system developed and how it differs from systems in other industrialized nations Discusses individual employment rights, including protection from discrimination Covers current policy issues in employment, including raising the minimum wage, the growth of a contingent workforce, and privatizing retirement Offers a unique historical and evolutionary explanation of the nature of employment relations As a general overview of contemporary employment relations, Employment Relations in the United States is a perfect supplement to college courses in employment law, human resource management, and collective bargaining. Human resource managers, mediators, and professionals involved in labor relations will also find this an essential reference.