HRDV 3308 Employee and Labor Relations

Spring 2016
Name: Stella Zaragoza, M.A.
Office Location: Virtual
Office Hours: Available by Appointment, Monday-Friday from 7-9PM CST.
Phone: (806) 239-2057. Feel free to text me to set up appointments.
Email: stella.zaragoza@ttu.edu
Backup Email: stellazaragoza@gmail.com
Preferred Contact Method: I will respond to all student messages within 24 hours during
weekdays, and within 48 hours on weekends and/or holidays.
Course Textbook: Fossum, J.A. (2012). Labor Relations: Development, Structure, and
Process (11th Edition). McGraw Hill.
Student Access to Free or Inexpensive Software such as Microsoft Office:
Information about free or inexpensive software that is available to Texas Tech Students can
be found at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/itts/software/.
Course Description: This course focuses on the complexities of labor and employee
relations. Topics include organizational culture, employment counseling issues, negotiation,
dispute resolution, and employee motivation and retention.
Purpose of the Course: This course serves as an elective in the Bachelor of
Undergraduate Studies degree program. There is no prerequisite for this course. This
course is designed to introduce students to the complexities related to labor and employee
relations. Attention is paid specifically to carrying on difficult conversations, negotiating
techniques and other sensitive topics when managing others.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the foundational aspects of labor relations in the workplace.

Describe the evolution of American labor
Apply current strategies to the negotiation process.
Discuss strategies for creating and interpreting contracts.
Evaluate the essential elements of unions (such as their unique administration and why
there can be discourse concerning unions in the workplace).
Recognize the key aspects of employee morale related to retention and motivation.
Determine how to create a positive organizational culture.
Analyze the role human resources play in the labor and employee relations.
Summarize the issues related to different bargaining strategies.
Discuss the role of employment law in organizations.

Methods for Assessing Expected Student Learning Outcomes:

The expected learning outcomes of the course will be assessed through:
Online discussions, quizzes, the collective bargaining simulation, and the final project.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
Weekly Online Discussion (worth up to 300 points or 30% of the overall course grade):
Each Substantive Discussion Question is worth 20 points each. The Introduction Discussion
Question and the Wrap Up Discussion Question are worth 10 points each. For each DQ, you
will be graded on (1) your response to the question and (2) your responses to classmates
discussion of that same discussion question
The Online Discussion component of this course is comprised of weekly Discussion Questions
(DQs) and is an important part of class. Each week there will be discussion related to the
course material. The faculty member posts weekly main discussion questions for the class to
discuss. Students are expected to respond to ALL Main DQs. As a general rule, Main DQ
responses should be at least 150 words in length.
Online discussion is a very important part of online learning. Through your responses to weekly
Main DQs, you will learn to integrate class material into your thoughts and learn more about
how others view business research. Additional discussion with classmates and the professor
help us all learn more about the material. As such, each week you are also expected to make at
least 2 thoughtful and substantial responses to classmates.
I suggest that class members participate in the online discussion at least two times per week. It
is a good idea to check in early in the week and again closer to Sunday (the last day of each
week of class). This assures that you are an active member of the class throughout the week
and have ample opportunity to interact with other class members. Weekly Discussion will be
closed at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Sunday nights.
Weekly Online Discussion Will Be Graded as Follows:
Responses to Main DQs should:

be made in a timely fashion that gives others an opportunity to respond

include accurate information and be on topic
be thoughtful, organized, and analyze the information and/or question
demonstrate an understanding of the question and the course material
contain more than just your opinion; justify your statements using course materials
Incorporate and cite information from the textbook, outside academic sources, credible
websites, etc.
utilize appropriate language, grammar, and spelling

Responses to Classmates Postings should

for each Main DQ, include at least 2 response to classmates

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be constructive
add to the overall value of the discussion (simply posting a statement of "I thought this week's
ideas were neat" or I agree) will not count towards your participation points
utilize appropriate language, grammar, and spelling
Quizzes (worth up to 150 points or 15% of the overall grade)
There will be three quizzes this semester. These quizzes will cover the weekly reading
assignments.
Collective Bargaining Simulation (worth up to 250 points or 25% of the overall grade)
This assignment simulates part of the Collective Bargaining Process. For the first part of this
assignment, each student will analyze a Collective Bargaining Case Study and Contract. Based
on the information in the Case Study and Contract, students will prepare an Initial Offer that
represents the Union perspective (worth up to 150 points). In a related class discussion,
students will analyze these Initial Offers using the perspective of a Management team (worth up
to 100 points; 20 of which will be for posting the Initial Offer in both the Discussion Board and
Assignment Dropbox).
There is a template for this paper posted in the online classroom. While not required, it is
strongly recommended that students use the template for this assignment.
Final Project RESEARCH PAPER (worth up to 300 points or 30% of the overall grade)
One of the very first topics explored in this course is how to create a more positive culture in
the organization. One way is through more effective labor and employee relations (also
discussed throughout the course). In this final 8-10 page (not including the cover page or
references) project you will select a real life scenario involving and employee/labor dispute
(such as the Chicago Teachers Strike of 2012). This paper should follow APA guidelines.
Your paper should address the following:

Introduction to the Problem: Give an introduction to the problem (the problem

is the employee labor dispute you have selected for your paper) and provide a
description of the problem.
Background/History Describe the events led to the problem and provide a
historical overview of the problem.
Explanation of How This Problem Related to Labor and Employee Relations:
Explain how this problem related to the larger topic of Labor and Employee Relations.
Things that could have been done differently: Address how the Employees
and Labor sides could have done things differently to avoid this conflict. If
there were any major mistakes made along the way, what were they can how
could they have been handled differently?
Implementations to create a more positive environment: Suggest
implementations to create a more positive environment (e.g., How will you get
company buy-in and implementation? Will this new effort fit within the company
mission, goals, and budget? etc.).
How these issues impact the HR function of an organization (you may also
provide specific example that relate to your current or future position in HR
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if you like): Discuss how the overall problem and subsequent events would
impact the HR department. If you know what role you plan to hold in a HR
department, feel free to include examples that relate to your role.
There is a template for this paper posted in the online classroom. That template utilizes the
bolded and underlined headings listed above as heading within the paper. While not required, it
is strongly recommended that students use the template for this assignment.
Review of Course Assignments
Class Participation
Quizzes
Collective Bargaining Simulation
Final Project - Paper
TOTAL

30%
15%
25%
30%
100%

Grading Scale
A= 900-1000 points (90% - 100%)
B = 800-899 points (80% - 89%)
C = 700-799 points (70% - 79%)
D = 600-699 points (60% - 69%)
F = 0-599 points (0 - 59%)

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE

Blackboard
This class will utilize Blackboard. You can access Blackboard 9 at www.blackboard.ttu.edu.
You will log on using your eRaider username and password. If you need technical assistance
with Blackboard, please call IT Support at (806)742-HELP.
Free Software Downloads for Texas Tech Students
Texas Tech has agreements with some software vendors that allow the University to distribute
software at greatly reduced prices. Here is a link to those software/site licenses:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/itts/software/index.php
Course Technology:
Technology Requirements:
Instructors should provide students with a list of required technology to participate in the online
course. One instructors sample wording is as follows:
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Required Hardware
Computer available for download/installation of software and plug-ins
Speakers / Sound card
Headset with a microphone (recommended)
Webcam (recommended)
Required Software
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Microsoft Lync (see note below)
Blackboard (see note below)
Internet access - regular, dependable
Access to email

Web browser - a current version of one of the following - Internet Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Opera, or Microsoft Edge. Downloads for the newest
browser versions are available free of charge.
The latest version of Java - Available here
The latest version of Adobe Flash - Available here
The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader Available here

Use of Microsoft Lync

Students enrolled in this class must download Microsoft Lync software. Availability of Lync on
your computer gives you an opportunity to communicate with the instructor and your
classmates via chat, free call or free video call. In addition, students have to have Lync
installed on their computers to be able to participate in live discussions. Please follow the
instructions below to securely download Lync from the Texas Tech website:
-Log on to www.eraider.ttu.edu with your eRaider credentials
-Click on Software Download in the left-hand side menu
-Choose platform suitable for your computer (Mac or Windows)
-Select Lync 2011 (for Mac) or Lync 2013 (for Windows)
-Follow instructions to download the program.
Once downloaded, you should be able to find the instructor and classmates by last names
within the TTU system and be able to contact them when available.
Blackboard
Blackboard is an electronic learning resource that is designed to provide students with
information requirements related to the courses. This includes up-to-date announcements,
course information, assessment, assignments, deadlines and the like. For this resource to
function to its full potential, it is important that students log on regularly. Students will post
their responses to assigned readings on Discussion Forums weekly through
Blackboard. Students can also monitor their progress in this class through the Grade Center
on Blackboard.
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Blackboard can be accessed via an Internet web browser at:

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/lms/

Technical Support
If you have any questions or need assistance, Texas Tech University Service Desk is
available for all supported technology needs (806.742.HELP).

What To Do If You Experience Technical Problems:

If you are unable to submit an assignment, complete a quiz, or otherwise participate in our
course because Blackboard is down, it is your responsibility to notify me via email when the
problem occurs. Please notify TTU IT Help Central (742-HELP) for assistance and to document
of your attempts to resolve the problem. In addition, take a screenshot to document your
problem and submit this with your email to me. If Blackboard outage is verified by the Division of
Information Technology, I will work with you to make alternative arrangements. However, you
are responsible for your technology and ability to submit work. I strongly recommend that you
submit your work early to avoid last minute problems. I also strongly recommend that you save
a copy of your assignments and contributions to the course in case of technology disruption. I
generally only make alternate arrangements in case of Blackboard outages or outages
due to severe weather issues; not all technological failures.
CLASS POLICIES:
Academic Honesty
The Texas Tech University Code of Student Conduct Part IX, Section B, Item 3 states that
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying
academic records, misrepresenting facts and any act designated to give unfair academic
advantage to the students. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.
Cheating in any form will be addressed according to the rules enumerated in the Student
Handbook. It is your responsibility to be familiar with these rules.
American Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any
necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student
Disability Services during the instructors office hours.
Please note: instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student
until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided.
For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services in West Hall on the
Lubbock campus or call 806-742-2405.
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Absence Policy
Students are expected to attend class. If you cannot attend class, please contact the faculty
member in a prompt manner (prior to the absence if possible). It is always the students
responsibility to make up coursework or information that is missed as a result of the absence.
Graded work may be made up for excused absences only.
An absence may be excused if:

The absence is due to religious observance (see page 64 of the University Catalog)
You are required to participate in an official University activity (documentation required)
You are under a doctors care (documentation required)
There is a death in your immediate family (documentation required)
Other circumstances as deemed appropriate by the faculty member.

Absence due to religious observance: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that a student
may be excused from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for
the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose
absence is excused for this purpose may not be penalized for that absence and shall be
allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused.
A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in
writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the
observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an
assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. (pg. 64)
Absence due to officially approved trips: The Texas Tech University Catalog states that the
person responsible for a student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructor of the
departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is
responsible for the material missed.
Always document any absences when they occur. In the event of a students absence because
of an approved university event, documentation from an authorized university official will be
required. Notice is to be given to the instructor prior to the scheduled absence. A physicians
note will be required for a students hospitalization. In the event of a family members death, an
obituary announcement will also be required. Students will be responsible for missed work upon
return to class.
Late Assignment Policy
Please note that it is the students responsibility to plan ahead to submit assignments on time. I
do not typically grant extensions. If you are traveling, etc. and are unsure of your access to the
internet, it is strongly recommended that you plan ahead and submit assignments and take
quizzes early. If for some reason the Blackboard system is down and the class has trouble
accessing the quiz (this is rare but has been known to happen) I will work with the class to
create a new due date. The key is this: internet access is required for this course, if you are
unsure of your potential access submit early! Generally, lack of internet access and computer
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issues are not acceptable excuses for late assignments.

At times, extraordinary circumstances may occur in students lives that impact their assignment
submission. In these circumstances, course assignments (e.g., discussion postings, written
assignments, etc.) might be granted an extension from the instructor. Extensions are granted for
extraordinary circumstances such as death in the family, illness, etc. If you feel your
circumstance may warrant an extension, please contact the instructor within one week of the
original assignment due date to request an extension. Please note that failure to plan ahead and
allow time to complete a project does not usually warrant an extension. You are welcome to turn
the assignment in late, it will just have a late penalty (please see the following paragraph for
more information on the course late policy).
All assignments are considered late if they are not submitted by 11:59 PM CST on the day they
are due. For each week that assignments are late, a 10% deduction in the overall grade for that
assignment will be enforced. Assignments will not be accepted after two weeks past the
original due date, except with instructor permission. Instructor permission will be granted at the
instructors discretion only for extraordinary circumstances, provided the student contacts the
instructor within one week of the original discussion post due date to request the extension.
Assignments will not be accepted after the last official day of class.
Discussion Board Late Submission Policy
Late responses to the main discussion questions will be accepted for up to two weeks past the
original due date. For each week that the discussion posting is late, a 10% deduction in the
overall grade for that assignment will be enforced. After two weeks the discussion posting will
not be accepted for credit.
Late submissions of comments to classmates postings will not be accepted late.
Discussion postings will not be accepted after the last official day of class.
Emailed Assignments:
Assignments and Discussion Posts must be submitted through Blackboard; assignments and
discussion posts turned in via email or other means outside of the designated dropboxes or
discussion forums in the Blackboard online classroom will not be accepted without Instructor
permission. Permission will only be granted at the Instructors discretion for extraordinary
circumstances.

Civility in the Classroom

Texas Tech University and the University College endeavor to foster a classroom climate of
mutual respect among students and between students and instructor. Mutual respect means
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that we should be tolerant of different ideas and varying opinions about topics of discussion
between students; we address each other respectfully and without interruption; and we do
not engage in disruptive behavior.
Instructors are authorized to take necessary steps to address disruptive or disrespectful
actions. Instructors may take additional action for continuous and/or serious disruptive
behavior which includes beginning discipline proceedings. (Refer to Code of Student
Conduct, available in the Student Handbook.)
Violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in serious sanctions up to and
including expulsion. In addition, instructors have the right to limit discussions in order to meet
the education objectives of the class lesson(s).
Tentative Course
Schedule
Week
Week 1

Topics
Unit 1: Introduction to the
Course

Thursday Jan. 21Sunday Jan. 31

Week 2

Monday, Feb. 8 Sunday, Feb. 14

Week 4
Monday, Feb. 15 Sunday, Feb. 21

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 1
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Introduction Discussion

Unit 2: Creating a positive

organizational culture

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 1

Unit 3: The Evolution of the

American Labor

Assignments:
Online Discussion
Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 2

Monday Feb. 1Sunday Feb. 7

Week 3

Assignments

Unit 4: Negotiation Skills

Assignments:
Online Discussion
Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 11
Assignments:
Online Discussion

Week 5
Monday, Feb. 22 Sunday, Feb. 28

Unit 5: Employee Retention Readings:

and Motivation
Supplemental Readings posted in
Blackboard
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Quiz #1

Week 6
Monday, Feb. 29 Sunday, March 6

Unit 6: Managing and

Leading Employee Teams

Readings:
Supplemental Readings posted in
Blackboard
Assignments:
Online Discussion

Week 7

Unit 7: Unions

Monday, March 7
Sunday, March 13

Readings:
Fossum, Chapters 4 and 5
Assignments:
Online Discussion

SPRING BREAK
Week 8
Monday, March 21 Sunday, March 27

Week 9
Monday, March 28 Sunday, April 3

Unit 8: Unions and Union

Avoidance Issues

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 6 and 7
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Quiz #2

Unit 9: Collective
Bargaining

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 8
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Collective Bargaining Assignment
Part 1 Due (Individual Review of
the Contract)

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Week 10
Monday, April 4 Sunday, April 10

Week 11

Unit 10: Wage and NonWage Bargaining Issues

Assignments:
Online Discussion
Discussion of the Collective
Bargaining Assignment begins
Unit 11: Employment Law

Monday, April 11 Sunday, April 17

Week 12

Monday, April 25 Sunday, May 1

Week 14
Monday, May 2 Sunday, May 8

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 3
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Discussion of the Collective
Bargaining Assignment Ends

Unit 12: Contract

Negotiations

Tuesday, April 18 Sunday, April 24

Week 13

Readings:
Fossum, Chapters Chapter 9 &10

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 11 and 12
Assignments:
Online Discussion

Unit 13: Arbitration and

Alternative Dispute
Resolution

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 15
Assignments:
Online Discussion
Quiz #3

Unit 14: Labor Relations in

the Public Sector

Readings:
Fossum, Chapter 16
Assignments:
Online Discussion

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Last Week of Class

Monday, May 9
Tuesday, May 10

Assignments:
Wrap Up Online Discussion
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER DUE by
Tuesday May 10th at 11:59 PM
REMINDER: There is no final exam
in this class.
REMINDER: No late assignments
are accepted after the last official
day of class (11:59 pm Tuesday May
10th)

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