After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Recount the history of labor unions in the United States.
• Describe the different periods of law and their effect on labor relations and collective bargaining.
• Explain why people join unions and the costs and benefits of membership.
• Outline the steps in the certification process.
• Describe unfair labor practices by unions and by management.
• Describe the types and elements of planning for labor and management in the negotiation process.
• Discuss the structure, types, and scope of collective bargaining.
• Explain and discuss the different types of strikes and the rights of strikers in each type.
• Describe a variety of third party dispute resolution options.
• Explain how a typical grievance procedure works.
• Describe the role of labor relations in human resource management.