The changing relationships in the workplace have taken their toll on the traditional collective bargaining and labor relations processes. Although the nation's laws still protect collective bargaining as a way to promote commerce, the realities of a changing economy, a decrease in union membership, an increase in government regulations, and a diverse workforce have complicated labor relations. Drawing on over 50 years of experience in negotiating, labor law, and teaching, we have developed a text for readers who need a practical working knowledge of labor relations and collective bargaining terms, practices, and law. This text introduces students to collective bargaining and labor relations with an emphasis on the "real world" situations they will face on the job. Sections of actual labor agreements as well as arbitration cases and decisions of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the courts illustrate and emphasize contemporary issues of collective bargaining and labor relations. In addition, experts in the fields of labor law and arbitration have contributed "tips" on how the concepts learned can actually be applied. In this edition, we have integrated and expanded the coverage on both public sector labor relations and international collective bargaining issues. This text begins with a treatment of the historical and legal basis for labor relations and collective bargaining in the United States.

The labor history section adds to the student's understanding of the collective bargaining process in the United States by profiling both the people and the events that shaped this process. In addition, the student is exposed to the economic realities in the past, present, and future that have and will affect the workplace. Changes in the application of labor laws due to court decisions, NLRB rulings, and changes in the environment of union and management relations are covered throughout the text and include the latest decisions and rulings as well as analysis of what these changes might mean in the workplace. The text also includes ways of estimating wage and benefit items and computerized costing methods. It describes negotiating techniques and covers items in depth, giving students direct exposure to how negotiating theory is applied in actual situations. There are detailed explanations of contract enforcement, grievance, and arbitration procedures. This seventh edition contains several new features and significantly revised sections, including the following: Arbitration cases that allow students to play the role of arbitrator "Develop Your Own Negotiating Skills" exercises Union organizing and avoidance strategies Interest-based bargaining Employee misconduct "TIPS" and "FORE"--what managers can and cannot say in organizational campaigns 32 new cases and case studies Collective bargaining in professional sports Simulation to accompany the text Photographs of significant labor leaders and events PEDAGOGICAL FORMAT A student-oriented chapter format was designed to integrate theory with the "bread and butter" issues at the core of most actual negotiations. This integration, which includes the following material, provides a sense of how issues in the real world are resolved: Labor News.

These chapter-opening articles summarize current labor relations activities. The purpose of the articles is to help students relate current events to the day-to-day labor practices discussed in the chapter. Chapter Cases.Several short cases, which include the decisions of the arbitrator or judge, illustrate those points discussed within each chapter while bridging the gap between theory and practice. Tips from the Experts.In Chapters 3 to 8, labor relations professionals answer questions about the collective bargaining process and point out pitf.