Question

what are the types of unfair labor practices. Use practical examples to demonstrate your answer.

Answer 1

The issue of fair labor practices have been one of the main areas of concern for regulators,employers and employees and their unions since the organized production arrangements started. The unfair labor practices vary for different labor jurisdictions. In principle the unfair labor practices are those which restrict the democratic rights of the employees, some, broad unfair practices which have been recognized everywhere may be summarized as-

1. Wage Related Discrimination- Paying below minimum wages has been recognized as an unfair practice by law across several regions. Wage rates and working hours have also been capped by the law to provide rights to employees in this respect.

2. Blocking the Unionization of labor- Formation of a labor union has been recognized as one of the fundamental rights of the employees. Accordingly, any restriction or actions of the employer which seeks to prevent the formation of labor union within an organization is an unfair labor practice.

3. Blocking the functioning of a labor union- Formation of the labor union is just the initial step in securing the rights of employees, the smooth functioning of union is also a right of employees and any interference with this right may be termed as unfair labor practice.

4. Obstruction in the membership of the union- A union consists of its members who are its strength. Any attempt by the employers to prevent employees to join the union would, therefore be termed as unfair labor practice.

5.Discriminating against employees for joining the labor union- The law provides that an employer can not discriminate against employees for joining a labor union.

6. Denial of bargaining- the denial of the collective bargaining to union also amounts to an unfair trade practice as it apparently defeats the very purpose for which a union is formed.