Labor Unions and Industrial Relations

Examination of labor management relations in the contemporary U.S., considering both the internal dynamics of management, and the structure, governance, and goals of labor unions. Particular emphasis will be given to comparing and contrasting labor relations in unionized and non-unionized workplaces and in different sectors of the economy (manufacturing, services, and government). Topics to be covered include the development of management's industrial relations policies, the impact of the changing international economy on labor, the dynamics of collective bargaining, decision-making processes within unions, and problems of union democracy.