Boulewarism
Definition
Boulewarism is a negotiation tactic named after Lemuel Boulware, a General Electric vice president who initiated this approach. It involves management presenting a final, non-negotiable offer directly to the employees, often bypassing or undermining union representatives. This tactic effectively puts pressure on employees to accept the terms without further negotiation.
Example
- General Electric and Union Negotiations: In the mid-20th century, General Electric, under the direction of Lemuel Boulware, used this tactic in negotiations with its workers. The company would propose a seemingly fair but final offer directly to its employees, thereby circumventing union leaders and attempting to weaken their bargaining power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why was Boulewarism deemed illegal? A1: Boulewarism was ruled illegal because it violated the Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act of 1935), which guarantees employees the right to collective bargaining through duly elected unions. By bypassing the union, Boulewarism undermines this legal right.
Q2: What role does the Wagner Act play in labor relations? A2: The Wagner Act, also known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, provides legal protection for workers’ rights to organize, join labor unions, and participate in collective bargaining. It also established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce labor laws.
Q3: Can companies legally use any form of ’take-it-or-leave-it’ offers? A3: While companies may use ’take-it-or-leave-it’ offers in certain circumstances, they must ensure these offers do not violate labor laws, including the legal rights of unions. Directly circumventing union negotiations as in Boulewarism is illegal.
Q4: How can employees protect themselves from unfair negotiation tactics like Boulewarism? A4: Employees can protect themselves by staying informed about their rights under labor laws and by actively participating in union activities. Reporting any violations to the NLRB can help safeguard their collective bargaining rights.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act of 1935): A foundational statute of United States labor law which protects the rights of employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action such as strikes.
- Collective Bargaining: The process whereby workers, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, working conditions, and other aspects.
- Union: An organized group of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests, primarily through negotiations with employers.
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent US government agency tasked with enforcing US labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.
Online Resources
- National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
- Cornell University’s Legal Information Institute - Labor Law
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Labor Guide to Labor Law” by Bruce S. Feldacker
- “The Oxford Handbook of Work and Organization” edited by Stephen Ackroyd, Paul Thompson, Pamela S. Tolbert, and Rosemary Batt
- “Labor Law: A Problem-Based Approach” by Angela Cornell and Tamara L. Mitchell
- “Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations” by Thomas A. Kochan and Harry C. Katz
Fundamentals of Boulewarism: Labor Relations Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the concept of Boulewarism and testing your knowledge with our quiz. Strengthen your understanding of labor relations to foster fair and effective workplace negotiations!
