A Primer on American Labor Law

by William B. Gould IV

Overview

There are many new realities confronting labor in the United States. Technology is redefining traditional employment, and globalization continues moving manufacturing as well as service jobs to lower-cost jurisdictions. This timely sixth edition discusses the recent political developments that impact American labor, as well as new court cases and the social and economic issues that American workers are confronting. For union and employer representatives and labor lawyers, alike this volume not only describes the labor law system briefly and clearly, but also attempts to further an understanding among workers, unions, and businesses in order to promote an improved working environment. Professor William B. Gould, IV brings to this work more than a half-century of experience as a practicing labor lawyer and academic, as well as practical exposure to the relationship between administrative agencies and the public.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108597500
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/02/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

William B. Gould, IV is Charles A. Beardsley Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Stanford Law School. He was Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (1994–98), Chairman of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (2014–17), and Independent Monitor for FirstGroup America from 2008–10. Professor Gould is a critically acclaimed author of ten books and more than sixty law review articles, and in 2011–12, he was Special Advisor to the Department of Housing and Urban Development on project labor agreements.

Table of Contents

	Preface to Fourth Edition	vii
	Preface to Third Edition	xi
	Preface to Second Edition	xvii
	Preface	xix
1	An Overview	1
2	Industrial Relations and Labor Law before Modern Legislation	9
3	The National Labor Relations Act	27
4	Unfair Labor Practices	49
5	Establishing the Collective Bargaining Relationship: Organization and Recognition	65
6	Economic Pressure and Bargaining Tactics in the Established Relationship	97
7	Remedies and the Labor Reform Bill of 1978	129
8	Dispute Resolution in the Established Relationship	139
9	The Duty of Fair Representation	169
10	The Public Sector	185
11	Public-Interest Labor Law	197
12	Conclusion	233
	Notes	237
	Index	375

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This fine guide to U.S. labor law and related policy issues belongs in the library of anyone interested in contemporary industrial relations and human resource management.Gould explains the law's origins, meaning, and current interpretations with great clarity."—Robert Flanagan, Graduate School of Business,Stanford University

"The fourth edition of Gould's Primer on American Labor Law brings the most straightforward and balanced work in the field up to date. Informed by a deep understanding of American collective bargaining, this is a book whose usefulness in the classroom is matched by its value as a ready reference for scholars. It merits a prominent place in one's personal library." Paula Voos,Professor, Labor Studies Department, Rutgers University

"Union leaders need a clear understanding of U.S. labor laws to make effective strategic choices about how to organize, bargain, and build power for the working people we represent. We have relied on the earlier editions of Gould's Primer as a fundamental resource. Now, with his experience as chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, Gould brings us new insights into changing labor policy and case law. This fourth edition belongs on every union leader's shelf." Art Pulaski, Executive-Secretary Treasurer, California Labor Federation,AFL-CIO

"The fourth edition of Gould's *Primer on American Labor Law* brings the most straightforward and balanced work in the field up to date. Informed by a deep understanding of American collective bargaining, this is a book whose usefulness in the classroom is matched by its value as a ready reference for scholars. It merits a prominent place in one's personal library."—Paula Voos, Labor Studies Department,Rutgers University

"Professor Gould's *Primer* is essential reading for my students in Labor Law. His summary of the law, and the history behind the law, provides an excellent backdrop for further study."—Michael J. Tedesco, University of Oregon School of Law

"Union leaders need a clear understanding of US labor laws to make effective strategic choices about how to organize, bargain, and build power for the working people we represent. We have relied on the earlier editions of Gould's *Primer* as a fundamental resource. Now, with his experience as chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, Gould brings us new insights into changing labor policy and case law. This fourth edition belongs on every union leader's shelf."—Art Pulaski, Executive-Secretary Treasurer, California Labor Federation,AFL-CIO

Editorial Reviews

'William B. Gould IV expertly informs analysis of how American labor law faces a crisis of indifference to the needs and interests of the workforce by drawing on his rich lifetime of experience in adjudicating and resolving labor disputes, advising policy makers, and studying the intricacies of labor law. The sixth edition of his Primer clarifies where the law is today, and provides clear and insightful signals of where it needs to go tomorrow.' Thomas A. Kochan, George M. Bunker Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

'Gould’s latest A Primer on American Labor Law is a bible for union members, elected leaders and staff that explains the legal constraints and opportunities for almost every situation. Using this book before consulting with lawyers will make your conversations more productive and could save you some billable hours.' Craig Merrilees, International Longshore and Warehouse Union

'Professor Gould IV does it again. The sixth edition A Primer on American Labor Law, is a comprehensive, yet incredibly accessible exploration into the intricacies of American labor law. It covers everything - history, legal doctrine, policy and practical considerations! A must read for anyone interested in understanding the US workplace.' Rafael Gely, James E. Campbell Missouri Endowed Professor of Law, University of Missouri

'A Primer on American Labor Law is an invaluable overview of labor law in the United States that is also readable and quite accessible to non-lawyers. We regularly commend it to our clients as well as to young attorneys who are novices in the field of labor law. Professor Gould IV has now updated his primer to review the extremely significant developments of the last five years, including last year’s Supreme Court decision in the Janus case. Well worth reading for experienced labor law practitioners as well as for newcomers.' John Provost, Beeson, Tayer & Bodine

From the Publisher