Assignment 2: Labor Relations
Discuss the company’s stance toward labor and any specific labor-related issues it may be experiencing.
Nokia Corporation is one of the openly traded organizations in the context of the United States. It focuses on the provision of products and services in relation to the communication and networking systems across the globe. Like any other organization across the globe, there are labor issues facing the organization towards the achievement of the goals and objectives. This is through limitation of the opportunities to enable the organization to maximize relevant profits and revenue levels. One of the labor relations issues facing Nokia Corporation in the transaction of its duties and functions in the context of product and service delivery is disregarding of the workers’ rights (Nokia Corporate Responsibility Review p. 1). This is through adoption and implementation of obstructive practices limiting the ability of the organization to execute the roles of a trade union representative effectively and efficiently. In addition, it is also argued that the position of the redundant workers at the company seems too vulnerable. In responding to such allegations, Nokia Corporation has rejected such criticism, but promises to improve working conditions of the stewards within the outlets of the organization.
Nokia Corporation has a tendency and reputation of adherence to the ethical standards in relation to the labor relations. The company adopts the concept of the Nokia Way to imply on the essence of consideration the needs and ideas of the workers fully in realization of the goals and objectives of the organization. The reputation in the context of the labor relations of Nokia Corporation relates to commitment and dedication to the cores of the International Labor organization thus implementation of various labor standards in handling its operation within the market and relevant industries. This positive image made it a surprise reflection of the labor practices in Finland concerning the workers. Nokia Corporation has acknowledged the problem in relation to labor issues concerning its employees and committed itself towards improving the situation. This is through indication that the labor issues are not systematic in relation to the reputation of the corporation. Following these commitments, the employees feel contented with the steps taken by the organization towards the achievement of favorable working conditions (Nokia Corporate Responsibility Review p. 3).
Formulate a strategy for negotiating a labor agreement and dealing with potential impasses in the bargaining process.
In the negotiation for the labor agreement, it is essential to adhere to the following strategy displaying four critical phases with the aim of achieving effective agreement and minimization of the challenges to the bargaining process. The first step to the realization of this is pre-conceptualization. The first aspect of effective negotiation is determination if there are reasons to negotiate. The second concept focuses on the definition of the specifics to negotiate about between the parties. This is essential in the development of accurate agenda and identification of right individuals to participate in the negotiation. It is also vital to obtain critical information on the specifics for negotiations thus the opportunity to negotiate adequately. Pre-conceptualization will also focuses on setting the dates and time for the negotiation process. The second step of this strategy is conceptualization, which focuses on the development of the foundation of the agreement. This is through adequate framing of the issues without focusing on the minor issues. It is also essential to define each goal and objective thus facilitating the development of the measures of compatibility (Lewin p. 84). This is through advancing proposals and counter proposals towards the achievement of adequate notions in relation to agreement. In case of conflicts, it is essential to re-frame terms and conditions thus achievement of satisfaction for both parties. The third phase should focus on settling of the details. This phase indicates the conclusion or completion of the relevant negotiation. During this phase, it is essential to identify obstacles in relation to the implementation of the agreement. The process should also consider focusing on the legal matters to authenticate the agreement. The last phase should focus on the implementation of the agreement through extensive follow-up. This is necessary for the realization of the effectiveness and efficiency of the agreement in achieving its goals and targets. It is also vital to execute this process with the aim of minimizing problems that might arise during the implementation of the agreement. This strategy will oversee achievement of effective labor relations negotiation and minimization of the conflicts arising during the implementation process (Lewin p. 89).
Analyze the principle economic and administrative issues addressed during collective bargaining with your labor force and develop a bargaining position.
In the realization of the goals and objectives of the bargaining process, it is essential to consider the following issues in relation to economic and administrative principles. One of the essential issues is the wages or working conditions for the labor force. The other principle is the working norms or regulations to determine the route towards the achievement of the mission and vision of the organization. It is also essential to focus on the essence of job security. Another principle is the determination of changes in relation to implementation of new technology. In the discussion, it is also vital to focus on the tools, practices, and equipment essential in facilitating transfers and promotions among the workforce. Collective bargaining should also contribute towards provision of relevant solutions to the grievances. Another principal focus should be on the disciplinary matters, health, and safety of the employees. Collective bargaining should also address recognition of the union, implementation of insurance benefits, and management of the rights of the employees in relevant organizations. In the development of the bargaining position, it is essential to focus on the job security, wages, working conditions, disciplinary matters, promotion, and transfers (Holly et al, p. 246).
Recommend policies and procedures to administer a labor contract and resolve disputes.
In case of labor contracts and dispute resolution, I would recommend a labor policy that encourages and aims towards promoting the application of voluntary arbitration in providing adequate solution to disputes. This should operate over the interpretation or concepts of implementation of the collective bargaining agreements. Voluntary arbitration reflects important features in relation to the constructive employment in comparison to the economic strife thus effective adoption of the labor laws and adequate proposals for the solutions to grievances. This indicates that voluntary arbitration will focus on facilitating effective development of the labor laws and provision of adequate solutions for the arising grievances.
Determine the most likely interest dispute and determine how you could leverage economic pressure to help resolve that dispute.
One of the most likely interest disputes in relation to labor relations is the aspect of the wages or working conditions. Most employees and employers conflict on issues relating to wages and poor working conditions. In order to minimize this pressure in terms of economic approaches, it is vital for the organization to focus on the improvement of the wages and terms or conditions for the workforces. It is also vital to focus on the job security, insurance plans, and motivational tactics with the aim of offering improved conditions to the employees. This is vital towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the organizations through achievement of the mission and vision. It is also ideal to focus on the promotion techniques with the aim of enhancing wages and working conditions. The organization should also facilitate formation of the unions thus an opportunity to empower workers into fighting and protecting their rights.
Based upon your understanding of the entire course, predict the next evolutionary steps in labor management relationships and effects on the company.
In the evolutionary step towards the achievement of effective and appropriate management of the labor relations, it is essential to adopt an integrative approach to facilitate incorporation of various needs. This indicates that step should include factors such as advancement in technology, transformation of markets, quality customer service, favorable wages and working conditions, and motivational tactics. This will contribute towards realization of the efforts and measures in place by the labor unions. This evolutionary step will have positive effects in the context of the Nokia Corporation. The step will enhance working conditions for the satisfaction of the workers as they aim to achieve the mission and objectives. The step will also improve the image of the organization across the globe thus favorable competitive advantage.
Works Cited
Nokia Corporate Responsibility Review-2008. http://i.nokia.com/blob/view/-/225536/data/2/-/nokia-cr-report-2008-pdf.pdf
Lewin, David. Contemporary Issues in Employment Relations. Champaign, Ill: Labor and Employment Relations Association, 2006. Print.
Holley, William H, Kenneth M. Jennings, and Roger S. Wolters. The Labor Relations Process. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.
