Contract administration. - book reviews

Contract Administration

This book presents an excellent discussion of the role of union stewards and the enforcemnt of collective bargaining agreements through the grievance procedure. Repas, who has been teaching union members for more than 35 years, has written a book that gives a through analysis of the issues without being too lengthy or theoretical. He combines historical and legal background with current issues and adds useful hints for stewards on how to carry out their duties successfully.

The book starts by tracing the development of unions, stewards, and collective bargaining. The major labor laws are summarized, and current legal issues such as lie detector tests and freedom of information acts are touched upon. The various responsibilities of stewards are described, including their roles as political educators, organizers, and communication links between workers and union officials.

Next, the book discusses grievances and grievance procedures. Repas describes tactics for resolving disputes and problems stewards may encounter with management, workers, and their own union. The unique features of grievance handling in the public sector and the building trades are also reviewed.

Arbitration is examined in the third part of the book. The author gives helpful advice on how to select arbitrators, prepare cases, and save time and money.

Finally, the book examines some of the newer aspects of contract administration including the influences of "quality-of-work programs.'

No single book can prepare a steward for all possible problems, but Contract Administration gives a solid foundation for any steward to work from. It is a valuable tool for steward training and labor education in general. Neil Gladstein

COPYRIGHT 1984 AFL-CIO
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group