My learning expererience and what I will take with me from this class

I had taken various HR courses during my undergraduate studies and was hesitant to take "another" HR class but I am certainly glad I chose to take this one. The level of engagement, in-depth knowledge and information  on all HR topics were definitely higher and more challenging. I learned a great deal about Healthcare management, Recruiting, Employee benefits, Labor relations, etc.

The online format was a pleasure to be a part of. It created an atmosphere of true "teamwork" and allowed us to engage each other in ways that were not only educational but highly enjoyable as well.

Overall, I walk away with a better understanding of how employee/ management relations can be developed, nurtured and improved upon- not only on a business level but on a personal level as well.

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is a type of negotiation used by employees to work with their employers. During a collective bargaining period, workers' representatives approach the employer and attempt to negotiate a contract which both sides can agree with. Typical issues covered in a labor contract are hours, wages, benefits, working conditions, and the rules of the workplace. Once both sides have reached a contract that they find agreeable, it is signed and kept in place for a set period of time, most commonly three years. The final contract is called a collective bargaining agreement, to reflect the fact that it is the result of a collective bargaining effort.

The roots of collective bargaining lie in the late nineteenth century, when workers began to agitate for more rights in their places of employment. Many skilled trades started using their skills as bargaining tools to force their employers to meet their workplace needs. Other workers relied on sheer numbers, creating general strikes to protest poor working conditions. Several labor pioneers started to establish a collective bargaining system so that labor negotiations could run more smoothly.
Typically, the employees are represented by a union.  

Collective bargaining actually begins with joining a union, agreeing to abide by the rules of the union, and electing union representatives. In general, experienced people from the union will assist the employees with putting together a draft of a contract, and will help them present their desires to the company. Numerous meetings between representatives of employer and employees will be held until the two can agree on a contract.
As the contract is being negotiated, general employees also have input on it, through their union officers. Thus, the agreement reflects the combined desires of all the employees, along with limitations that the employer wishes to see put in place. The result is a powerful document which usually reflects cooperative effort. In some cases, however, the union or the employer may resort to antagonistic tactics such as striking or creating a lockout, in order to push the agreement through.

I believe the success of any collective bargaining negotiations is compromise. There needs to be compromise and a willingness to meet each other half way. Both entities need each other- strikes and lockouts can only hurt the brand and the product!

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collective-bargaining.htm