Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations

372 Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofi t Organizations

Chapter Questions

1. From an employee perspective, what are three advantages of working
   in a unionized organization? What are three disadvantages?


2. From a management perspective, what are some advantages of a
   unionized organization? What are some disadvantages?


3. The U.S. Department of Labor noted that the number of workers
   belonging to a union grew by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007. What
   factors do you attribute the union growth to?

Online Activities

1. In a small group, have each individual take on the role as spokesperson
   for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
   the Service Employees International Union, and the American Nurses
   Association. Each person will then discuss each group’s concerns. Use
   the Web sites of these organizations to research your positions. After
   each group ’ s positions have been presented, discuss where the interests
   overlap or are in contradiction. How would an organization address
   those concerns? Are there any concerns that they would not realistically
   be able to address?


2. Visit the National Public Employers Labor Association Web site. What
   are three issues of concern to public employers? Do you think non-
   profi t employers should be concerned about those issues as well? How
   would an employer address those issues?