The Grievance Process in Labor-Management Cooperation

(Hardback)

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In this book, Duane argues that companies of the 1990s will derive their real competitive advantage from labour-management co-operation. To this end, he notes that labour-management relations, as defined by grievance activity at the shop level, determines to a large degree whether joint ventures between labour and management will be successful. Accordingly, Duane offers a comprehensive discussion of how the grievance process affects labour-management co-operation and firm performance. It also identifies those factors that contribute to effective grievance resolution. Competitive threats have forced unionised firms to consider alternative industrial relations systems, including labour-management co-operation. In the first part of the book, Duane reviews the co-operative options that are available to labour and management. He begins by evaluating the effectiveness of various labour-management programmes and presents practical examples of how to properly implement and maintain them. Co-operative contract negotiation is then offered as a possible labour-management strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the firm. Several suggestions are offered, aimed at ensuring that co-operation at the bargaining table will be successful. Throughout the book, a case is made that the grievance process plays a critical role in promoting labour-management co-operation. Over 40 practical propositions concerning the determinants of forward-looking grievance resolution are identified and thoroughly discussed.

Author Bio

Michael J. Duane is associate professor of management at North Central College. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1984. From 1988 to 1990 he was Director of the MBA Program at Mercy College of Detroit. His primary publications have been in the area of public sector labor relations.