Flashcards Studio

During negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, a manufacturing plant with a certified bargaining representative unilaterally implements, effective immediately, a package of changes in terms and conditions: (i) creation of a two-tier wage scheme that lowers entry wages for newly hired workers in the same classification for the next 18 months; (ii) a new job-classification scheme that redefines duties and places some longstanding workers into lower pay grades; (iii) reduction of overtime eligibility and a new attendance policy with strict penalties; the changes apply to all bargaining-unit employees and were announced to the union only after implementation. The union had proposed a blanket wage increase and preservation of overtime pay. Management asserts the measures are permanent business improvements that require immediate implementation and will be discussed later. (a) Identify the governing doctrine and the essential elements of good-faith bargaining. (b) Applying the doctrine, assess whether these unilateral changes violate the duty to bargain in good faith and constitute unfair labor practices, and explain the available remedies.