How might issues of globalization and neoliberalism affect the bargaining dynamic

In this assignment, you will conduct a case study from a real life bargaining situation. Choose one of the two cases outlined below.

Watch the video overview of the case and read some additional background material. You may choose to research additional resources for further background into the cases. Write an 8-to-10–page essay (2000–2400 words) analyzing what the case teaches us about collective bargaining. Be sure to incorporate concepts from the course in the discussion.

Be sure to focus your discussion on what the case reveals about collective bargaining in Canada in the context of the course lessons. For each case, some guiding questions are provided to help focus your analysis.

Case 1: Edscha Plant Closure

Watch The Education of Brian Nicholl, a CBC Fifth Estate documentary (running time 45:04).

In preparing your essay, be sure to consider the following questions:

• What was the balance of bargaining power, and how did it shift as the story unfolded?

• What strategies did the union employ to try to achieve a settlement? Why did it choose those strategies?

• What was the employer’s strategy for avoiding contractual obligations? Why did the strategy work?

• What does the case tell us about the importance of language clarity in an agreement?

• What role does the union play in circumstances such as this?

• What does the case say about the tension between union staff negotiators and affected workers?

• What role did the provincial government (the state) play in the process and outcome?

• How much did the economic and political environment shape the bargaining outcome?

• How might issues of globalization and neoliberalism affect the bargaining dynamic in this case?

• In your opinion, could the union have done any more for the workers? Should the workers have accepted the deal?

Case 2: Lakeside Packing Strike

Watch 24 Days in Brooks, an NFB documentary (running time 42:03).

Read “Conflict and Solidarity: How the Lakeside Workers Won Their Union,” by Jason Foster,

In preparing your essay, be sure to consider the following questions:

• What was the balance of bargaining power between the parties, and how did it shift as the story unfolded?

• What were the main issues in the dispute? Which was the union’s priority? Why?

• What was the employer’s approach to the union and to bargaining? What precipitated the change in the employer’s position?

• What strategies did the union use to maximize its position to get a collective agreement?

• What does the case suggest about the relative importance of informal versus formal bargaining processes?

• How did the racial and cultural divisions in the workforce complicate the case?

• What does the case say about a union’s balancing of different interests among its members?

• What role did the state play? What was the effect of the third party intervention?

• In what ways did the economic and political environment shape the outcome of the case?

• In your opinion, were there other ways to resolve the dispute? What should the union/employer/government have done differently?


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