Ever wonder why union members' salary and benefits, workload agreements, and other aspects of their collective bargaining agreements, or "contracts," often remain unchanged and enforced during the all-too-common periods when public employees labor without a contract? In New York, the answer boils down to an understanding of the Public…

Gov. Scott Walker's sweeping proposal to scale back collective bargaining rights for most public employees in Wisconsin has sparked a rancorous standoff with teachers across the state--and fueled speculation about whether similar plans will gain traction in other parts of the country. But as massive demonstrations played out in Madison--an…

This article describes when teachers in Detroit, Michigan and Gary, Indiana went on strike in September 2006, which have resulted in the closure or relocation of 35 schools to other campuses since the end of the 2004-05 school year. The 2006-07 school year has brought with it a fresh wave of labor unrest, as teachers in districts large and small…

Seabrook Farms was most prosperous during World War II when Japanese Americans were recruited from concentration camps to alleviate its labor shortage. As the camps closed, former detainees became full-time workers in spite of some exploitation. It was a place for these families to live and work before returning to the West Coast. (VM)

To provide a better sense of how academic unions handle a strike situation, examines six unions who, between 1996 and 2000, went through strikes. Discusses the key issues and outcomes of the strikes. (EV)

In 1989, the Japan Teachers' Union, Nikkyoso, split into two unions after 2 years of factional infighting. Japan has two political camps, the governing conservative Liberal Democratic Party and the left-wing Japan Socialist Party. The teachers' union is a powerful member in the camp of the latter. This book incorporates studies of the links…

Discusses the implications of the demographic and geographic situation of libraries in Canada for library unionization. Insight is also provided into issues directly related to library management and library unions, including five factors which cause distrust and dissatisfaction. (CHC)

Discusses labor relations at Yale University, explaining that for 35 years, they have been negative, with 4,000 workers recently walking off the job. (EV)

A trustee of a Canadian public library discusses issues that must be addressed by the library board when the library staff forms a union. Suggestions are provided to aid in dealing with a union. (CHC)

Traces the growth and evolution of the British labor union movement, troubles between the national officials and the local shop stewards, class differences and conflict between the artisans and laborers, violence between unions, and eventual transition to peaceful constitutionalism. (MF)

To help students of labor law understand the industrial union experience, one professor created a simulation in which students formed a union and bargained with the teacher on course terms and conditions. Planning considerations, simulation stages, and lessons learned are described. The exercise produced a meaningful context for students, taught…

An examination of socioeconomic conditions and political status of the Black community in the Virgin Islands after emancipation supports the contention that the "Fireburn" uprising of 1878 was not a riot but a labor revolt. The revolt resulted in flexible labor contracts, land-buying terms, and unions for working-class Blacks. (ML)

Examines three of the changes wrought by coal mining: (1) the miner's working conditions; (2) the establishment of company towns; and (3) the violence that ensued when miners from Harlan County, Kentucky, referred to as "Bloody Harlan," tried to better their lives by joining labor unions. (CMK)

Studies the value of unionization for student personnel administration at the State University of New York. Found little support for the claim that unionization resulted in higher salaries. Notes there is no career ladder for professional staff but the permanent appointment has provided job security. (JAC)

The steady state in Australian higher education has encouraged faculty and nonfaculty unionization. In the former case, if the university is truly a self-governing collegium, there is a question as to faculty simultaneously being employees and employers. Active unionism may have negative and positive consequences. (MSE)