Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Atlantic Cod Information and Facts
Atlantic Cod Information and Facts The Atlantic cod was called by author Mark Kurlansky, the fish that changed the world. Certainly, no other fish was as formative in the settlement of the eastern coast of North America, and in forming the booming fishing towns of New England and Canada. Learn more about the biology and history of this fish below. Atlantic Cod Descriptive Features Cod are greenish-brown to gray on their sides and back, with a lighter underside. They have a light line that runs along their side, called the lateral line. They have an obvious barbel, or whisker-like projection, from their chin, giving them a catfish-like appearance. They have three dorsal fins and two anal fins, all of which are prominent. There have been reports of cod that were as long as 6 1/2 feet and as heavy as 211 pounds, although the cod typically caught by fishermen today are much smaller. Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ActinopterygiiOrder: GadiformesFamily: GadidaeGenus: GadusSpecies: morhua Cod are related to haddock and Pollock, which also belong to the family Gadidae. According to FishBase, the Gadidae family contains 22 species. Habitat and Distribution The Atlantic cod ranges from Greenland to North Carolina. Atlantic cod prefer waters close to the ocean bottom. They are most commonly found relatively shallow waters less than 500 feet deep. Feeding Cod feed on fish and invertebrates. They are top predators and used to dominate the ecosystem of the North Atlantic Ocean. But overfishing has caused huge changes in this ecosystem, resulting in an expansion of cod prey such as urchins (which have since been overfished), lobsters and shrimp, leading to a system out of balance. Reproduction Female cod are sexually mature at 2-3 years, and spawn in winter and spring, releasing 3-9 million eggs along the ocean bottom. With this reproductive potential, it may seem that cod should be abundant forever, but the eggs are vulnerable to wind, waves and often become prey to other marine species. Cod may live to over 20 years. Temperature dictates a young cods rate of growth, with cod growing more quickly in warmer water. Because of the cods dependence on a certain range of water temperature for spawning and growth, studies on cod have focused on how cod will respond to global warming. History Cod attracted Europeans to North America for short-term fishing trips and eventually enticed them to stay as fishermen profited from this fish that had flaky white flesh, a high protein content and low fat content. As Europeans explored North America looking for passage to Asia, they discovered an abundance of huge cod and started fishing along the coast of what is now New England, using temporary fishing camps. Along the rocks of the New England coast, settlers perfected the technique of preserving cod through drying and salting so it could be transported back to Europe and fuel trade and business for the new colonies. As put by Kurlansky, cod had lifted New England from a distant colony of starving settlers to an international commercial power. Fishing for Cod Traditionally, cod was caught using handlines, with larger vessels sailing out to fishing grounds and then sending men in small dories to drop a line in the water and pull in cod. Eventually, more sophisticated and effective methods, such as gill nets and draggers were used. Fish processing techniques also expanded. Freezing techniques and filleting machinery eventually led to the development of fish sticks, marketed as a healthy convenience food. Factory ships started catching fish and freezing it out at sea. Overfishing caused cod stocks to collapse in many areas. Status Atlantic cod are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Despite overfishing, cod are still fished commercially and recreationally. Some stocks, such as the Gulf of Maine stock, are no longer considered overfished. Sources Kurlansky, Mark. Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World. Walker and Company, 1997, New York.Gadus morhua, Atlantic Cod. MarineBio, 2009.NMFS. Atlantic Cod. FishWatch - U.S. Seafood Facts, 2009.Brief History of the Groundfishing Industry of New England. Northeast Fisheries Science Center.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Will SAT Prep Help Me in Other Subjects
Will SAT Prep Help Me in Other Subjects SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips A lot of students wonder: does SAT prep help with anything else in life? In this article, a real SAT instructor gives her view on the topic. Most people look at education like a textbook: you read information, you absorb it, you move it around and you solve problems with it. But the best, most dynamic education is interdisciplinaryit combines multiple subjects that overlap or intersect, because that’s how the real world is. You can’t do science without math, and you can’t write a history paper without English. Along those same lines, you can’t get better at taking the SAT without learning something about the skills it tests and why it tests them. And yes, that can help you in the rest of your schoolworkif you prep the right way. The SAT loves to test alternate meanings of wordsthe less-common second meaning of the adjective â€Å"fair,†for example, which means pleasant (weather, for example, can be fair). SAT prep is a great way to learn these second meaningsnot just for the test, but so you’ll know what people mean when they say â€Å"fair-weather friend.†For example, let’s say you are prepping with the following Reading Comprehension question: The widow, searching for a craft store, passed dozens of storefronts as she walked. She had a very complicated and specific project in mind for her daughter, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to realize it without a special accessory for her sewing machine. In the passage above, â€Å"realize†most nearly means {A} understand {B} discover {C} accomplish {D} determine {E} earn If this question were on the SAT, you’d have very little chance of learning from itthe stress is too great. But in prep, you have a moment to think about it. Does the widow need to â€Å"understand†her project? No, that doesn’t make any sense, she thought of it. For her to â€Å"discover†the project makes even less sense. Does she need to â€Å"accomplish†the project? Yesdon’t eliminate {C}. To â€Å"determine†a project doesn’t make sense, nor does â€Å"earn.†So if you didn’t know that realize can mean accomplishliterally, to make realyour SAT prep has just given you a little boost in your understanding of the English language. Here at PrepScholar, we’ve constantly workingyes, right this minuteto improve the real-life applicability of our materials, both for the student’s benefit and for the advantage it gives the learning process itself. When ideas are more connected to other ideas, we remember them more readily. Thus, SAT prep that’s connected to the real world and other subjects is both more effective and more fun. Stay tuned to PrepScholar’s ongoing pedagogy innovations by subscribing to the blog! And if you found this interesting or helpful, sign up to the right to stay updated on the topics we think SAT preppers and their parents might find useful. Next Up: What the New SAT Means for You Or, get our FREE Ebook below: Get Your Free Resource Here Get a Free Guide Here
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Strategic Market, The Southwest Airline Model Research Paper - 1
Strategic Market, The Southwest Airline Model - Research Paper Example The employees at the company are trained to help customers and serve them genuinely with care in order to make customers happy; thus the company philosophy is translated into stockholder and customer happiness. The business model of the corporation is to eradicate the unnecessary frills provided by competitors; hence reducing the cost to clients. The industry reduces the cost by focusing on a lesser number of routes and only flying one type of plane; hence it has created a niche market in the aviation industry. Therefore, by choosing only to employ one type of aircraft, it was a very strategic choice that could enable the company to sustain their business in the global competitive business world. The Southwest airline industry have made significant efforts of employing effective strategic management policies and business model that can enable them to meet the demanding needs of customers in the targeted market. Michael Porter has attempted to reveal unique and valuable strategic position of an industry based on a tailored set of activities that can enable the company to achieve competitive advantage (Hill and Jones, 2009). Many industries have made considerable efforts of employing Porter’s five forces of competitive advantage in order to sustain their business in the global competitive market. The company manager of Southwest airline industry wanted to create a low cost aviation solution that can offer quality service to customers; hence enabling the company to sustain a competitive advantage. Therefore, the use of non-conventional models for low-cost and controlled solid growth for the airline has been among the major aspects for achieving competitiveness in the air line industry (Gross and Schroder, 2007). The industry also segments targeted market in varied ways including travelling short distances, frequent schedules, low cost fares, as well as, cost and value conscious customers. The other consists of
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Cultural Relativism and Improving the Lives of Women Essay
Cultural Relativism and Improving the Lives of Women - Essay Example However, as demonstrated by the overwhelming number of reservations to CEDAW there is an underlying reluctance to part with social and cultural traditions.4 This study assesses the problem of cultural relativism as a barrier to improving the lives of women by reference to the weakness of the implementation and enforcement mechanisms of CEDAW. Cultural relativism takes the position that there is no universally accepted standard for judging all cultures. This is especially unfair to feminists who attempt to draw attention to all forms of gender discrimination and oppression among diverse cultures.5 Cultural relativism is characterized as a â€Å"doctrine†that recognizes that there are some moral codes and social institutions are different and are â€Å"exempt from legitimate criticism by outsiders†and such a doctrine is â€Å"supported by notions of communal autonomy and self-determination†.6 There are two diametrically opposed views on cultural relativism. One view is referred to as radical cultural relativism and this view holds that culture provides the only validity for proffering a moral rule. The other view is radical universalism which takes the position that culture is not relevant for validating moral rules because they are â€Å"universally valid†.7 †¦people are categorized and identified by social identity, especially as it is expressed in religious, ethnic, or tribal terms. These group-based identities often help determine our position in the social and political hierarchy of a society and also condition people’s attitudes and perceptions toward us as we go about our daily business.8 For a number of women, they derive their respective identities from their experiences within specific settings that are dominated by males. Even so, the way that they perceive themselves emanates from how women are treated and quite often they confront levels of discriminatory treatment within their social settings.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Tax Returns Essay Example for Free
Tax Returns Essay Consider an accountant who prepares tax returns. Suppose a form 1040EZ requires $12 in computer resources to process and 22 minutes of the accountant’s time. Assume a form 1040A takes $25 in computer resources and needs 48 minutes of the accountant’s time. If the accountant can spend $630 on computer resources and has 1194 minutes available, how many forms of 1040EZ and 1040A can the accountant process? Solution: Let      x be the number of form 1040EZ that the accountant can process y be the number of form 1040A that the accountant can process The system of equation required for this problem is 12x + 25y ≠¤ 630 22x + 48y ≠¤ 1194 In augmented matrix form: The reduced form gives us the following set of equations:            x + 2. 5y ≠¤ 52.5          x + 2.5(4.3) ≠¤ 52.5                x ≠¤ 41.7                      y ≠¤ 4.3 Answer: The accountant can process at most 41.7 ( or 41) 1040EZ forms and at most 4.3 (or 4) 1040A forms. You are given the following system of linear equations: x – y + 2z = 13 2x + y – z = -6 -x + 3y + z = -7 a. Provide a coefficient matrix corresponding to the system of linear equations. What is the inverse of this matrix? What is the transpose of this matrix? d. Find the determinant for this matrix. det(A) = (1)(1)(1) + (-1)(-1)(-1) + (2)(2)(3) – (2)(1)(-1) – (-1)(2)(1) – (1)(-1)(3) det(A) = 19 Calculate the following for a. A * B b. -4A c. AT Solve the following linear system using Gaussian elimination. Show work. 3x + y – z = -5 -4x + y = 6 6x – 2y + 3z = 2 Solution: Backward substitution: 19/7 z = 76/7             z = 4 y – 4/7 z = -2/7          y = 2 x+1/3 y – 1/3 z = -5/3            x = -1 Solve the following linear system for x using Cramer’s rule. Show work. x + 2y – 3z = -22 2x – 6y + 8z = 74 -x – 2y + 4z = 29 Solution: The coefficient matrix corresponding to the given system is and the answer column is det(A) = (1)(-6)(4) + (2)(8)(-1) + (-3)(2)(-2) – (-3)(-6)(-1) – (2)(2)(4) – (1)(8)(-2)            = -10 Plug-in the answer column to x column and get the determinant det(X) = (-22)(-6)(4) + (2)(8)(29) + (-3)(74)(-2) – (-3)(-6)(29) – (2)(74)(4) – (-22)(8)(-2)            = -30 Plug-in the answer column to y column and get the determinant det(Y) = (1)(74)(4) + (-22)(8)(-1) + (-3)(2)(29) – (-3)(74)(-1) – (-22)(2)(4) – (1)(8)(29)            = 20 Plug-in the answer column to z column and get the determinant det(Z) = (1)(-6)(29) + (2)(74)(-1) + (-22)(2)(-2) – (-22)(-6)(-1) – (2)(2)(29) – (1)(74)(-2)            = -70 By Cramer’s rule, the solution to the system is x = -30 / -10 = 3 y = 20 / -10 = -2 z = -70 / -10 = 7
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Reciprocal love in John Donnes Holy Sonnets Essay -- John Donne Holy
Reciprocal love in John Donne's Holy Sonnets Holy Sonnet XV deals with the question of reciprocal love that runs throughout Donne’s religious poetry. The Sonnet is an address of the speaker’s mind to the speaker’s soul; it is a meditation on the Trinity and man’s relationship to God. The poem’s form and the multi-layered conflation throughout expound upon the nature of the Trinity. The theme of humility in reciprocal religious love or receiving and understanding God’s glory (as Donne understood it) runs throughout the poem. This allows the speaker’s soul to understand his own need for humility in order to love god fully. Donne uses the Sonnet form cunningly in this poem; the formal divisions of the Sonnet reflect the trinity, with three four-line sections, while the inner workings of the poem expound upon God’s love for mankind and the need for humility. The poem’s rhyme scheme is abba/abba/cddc/ee. This formally divides the poem into three four part sections that m ove from the spiritual to the physical downward through the Trinity, increasing tangibility with regard to the physical and allowing the speaker to achieve a closer relationship with God through Christ. Each four-line section expounds upon one aspect of the Trinity- God the Spirit/God the Father/God the Son. Donne continually juxtaposes the explication of aspects of the Trinity with explication of man’s relationship to God, resulting in a high degree of conflation throughout. The first line opens with a simultaneous statement of doubt and faith, â€Å"Wilt thou love God, as He thee?†While the speaker is convinced of God’s love, he doubts his ability to reciprocate. This is in contrast to many of Donne’s other Holy Sonnets in which the speaker continuously implores ... ...al in lines one and two with enjambment between the words â€Å"digest†and â€Å"my soul.†He even goes so far as to conflate God the Father with depraved man through enjambent and the phrase â€Å"robbed man†in line 9. In fact, this line seems to actually serve as a kind of â€Å"volta†due to the ultimate extreme of conflation, thus following the traditional Italian sonnet form. This emphasizes the purity of the form as representative of the Trinity in this sonnet. Donne’s use of the form of the poem itself as an embodiment of the Trinity seems to further emphasize the perceived interrelatedness of all things, and therefore supports the mutual statement of love that opens the poem. So, the conflation rises to yet another level, where the poem itself is a resonation of God’s love as a manifestation of the trinity, and Donne takes the role of creator, thus acting in the image of God.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Labor Relations
In this paper, unions and labor relations will be defined and their impact on organizations will be elaborated. Also, the impact of changes in employee relations strategies, policies, and practices on organizational performance will be examined. After this, the question â€Å"Are unions still relevant in the U.S.?†will be answered. Furthermore, the campaign, the election, contract negotiations, grievance handling, arbitrations, labor relations, and strikes will be addressed. Labor unions and labor relations Labor unions, which are the watchdogs and negotiators for the American workforce, are a way of collectively bargaining with employers for fair working conditions and fair wages. The craft unions or skilled laborers and industrial unions or laborers in the same industry, regardless of skill are the two types of labor unions that are organized. In the U.S. Groups of highly-trained carpenters, tailors, printers, and weavers in the colonial age, the seed of modern labor unions were the guilds. Guilds, which are economic and social in nature, are associations of persons who are involved in the same craft or business. The workers who members of guilds are banded together so that the quality standards would be maintained and the employers’ hiring of skilled laborers from home would be ensured. In the mid-19th century, there was an increase in the number of new industrial unions which were created for the assertion of workers’ rights. This change in the personality of the American workforce was due to the invention of the steam engine and other industrial advancements. The Knights of Labor, which inaugurated the Labor Day holiday in 1882, was one of the most important industrial unions. In the 1890s, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed. It is composed of the craft unions which include both skilled and unskilled laborers. The federation was formed because its member craft unions were opposed to the composition of the Knights of Labor’s membership. The United Mine Workers and the Danburry Hatters case in 1902 were ones of the early conflicts and strikes included in this period. In the 1930s, when the Great Depression took place, the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was formed. Many of the members of CIO were the dissidents of the AFL who favors industrial unionism. Workers in the steel, rubber, auto, maritime, glass, and meat packing industries were some of the major constituents of the CIO. In spite of the conflicts during the 30s and 40s, a powerful body known as the AFL-CIO was formed from the merging of the two national organizations in 1955. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent agency of the U.S. government. It was created under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 or the Wagner Act and was amended by the acts of 1947 or the Taft-Harley Labor Act and 1949 or the Landrum-Griffin Act. The board affirmed the rights of the labor to organize and bargain collectively through representatives they chose or to refrain from such activities. The board which is composed of five members is assisted by 33 regional directors. The members are appointed by the U.S. President with the approval of the Senate for five-year terms. The proper bargaining units are determined, the elections for union representation are conducted, and the charges of unfair labor practices by employers are investigated by the board. Coercion, interference, or restraint in labor’s self-organizational rights is included in the unfair practices (Villanueva Siasoco). A research study revealed that the collaboration of an organization (such as community organizations) and a labor union is an impetus for change. For example, the labor unions and community organizations in Greater Boston, which have worked together in recent years, have achieved remarkable successes. Some of their victories include the passing of a Boston living wage ordinance, an increase in the minimum wage in Massachusetts, improvement in union contracts and in workplace conditions, an earned income tax credit on state income taxes, $6 million state job training program for 1, 500 workers, and a number of progressive tax policies which includes a new tax on capital gains. These significant achievements in Boston are reverberated throughout the country. This is manifested by the continuous formation of alliances by community organizations with the organized labor. Again, these alliances are formed for the purpose of tackling problems that affect the lives of the low-wage workers. The Service Employees International Union, which is known for its successful Justice for Janitors campaigns, is one of the unions that organize low-wage workers. The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Union is also a low wage-workers union. These unions are included in the most vibrant and fastest growing organizations in the country. The collaboration of labor unions and community organizations is really needed for the achievement of long-term goals of economic and social justice. The need for the collaboration is being intensified by the changes in the national economy over the last few decades. One the changes that forces for a collaboration of labor unions and community organizations is the shifting of the economy from higher-paying manufacturing jobs to lower-paying jobs in the service sector. Similarly, the public policy efforts for the promotion of the welfare of working families in general are being broadened by the labor movement. The national AFL-CIO, under the new leadership since 1995, has devoted increased resources to advocate policies. These policies include the universal health care coverage which is intended to benefit all American who are working (not only those who are members of unions) and the raising of the federal minimum wage. One of the impacts of labor unions in policies is the announcement of support of amnesty for undocumented immigrants by the AFL-CIO in February, 2000. In addition, the AFl-CIO also played a major role in organizing, planning, and supporting the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride of 2003. This ride is a nationwide effort which aims to raise the visibility of the issues of the immigrant workers (Ranghelli 4). On the other hand, the impact of changes on employees is the decrease in the purchase of labor by employers because of the higher wages won by unions. The success in asserting for higher wages and better working conditions also reduced the number of jobs available (Reynolds). Are unions still relevant in the U.S.? The question â€Å"Are unions still relevant in the U.S.?†does not need anymore time to think about. Unions are absolutely relevant in the U.S. Considering the economic situation today, wherein the trend is to shift from higher-paying jobs to lower-paying jobs, to use more machines than labor force, and to employ contractualization, the exploitation of the labor sector becomes more intense. Thus, unions play a vital role in achieving economic and social justice. Considering the opinions raised by Reynolds, it is very shallow to say that the labor unions are the anticompetitive force in the labor markets. It is very inhumane to think of workers as simply inputs that are needed to be purchased in order for a process such as production or manufacturing to materialize. It is in this thinking where the exploitation of the laborers’ rights arises. Regarding campaigns and elections, union officers are elected based on the standards established by the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). Officers in the local unions are elected through secret balloting. On the other hand, officers of the national and international unions are elected either by secret balloting of the members or by delegates who are chosen by the secret ballot. The election of the officers of the national and international unions is held at least every five years. For the intermediate bodies, the election of officers is held at least every four years and for the local unions, election of officers is held at least every three years. The funds of a union may be used in conducting an election. Also, it is an option for the employers and unions to use their funds in promoting the candidacy of any candidate (http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/unions-elections.htm). Collective bargaining refers to the negotiations between an employer and a group of employees. Negotiations are done so that the conditions of employment would be determined. The result of the procedures of the collective bargaining is called collective agreement. Union or other labor organizations represent the employees in bargaining. Federal and state statutory laws, judicial decisions, and administrative agency regulations govern collective bargaining. Arbitration refers to the method of dispute resolution. This method is used as an alternative to litigation. Arbitration is usually used to resolve disputes between employers and employees during a collective bargaining (http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Collective_bargaining#collective_bargaining_and_labor_arbitration:_an_overview). Usually, strike is the last resort taken by workers in addressing their grievances. Holding mass pickets is the most effective way to involve all strikers. Although strikes may mean decrease in wages or dismissal from work, success in such solidarity actions is effectively achieved through picketing the workplaces of the workers (http://libcom.org/organise/guide-to-taking-strike-action). The aforementioned concepts support the answer that unions are still relevant in the U.S. For example, the funds of unions are very vital during an election because may be used to promote the candidacy of a certain candidate who, when elected, must address the concerns not only of the workers but the families in general. Also, it is very significant in addressing the welfare of the people because what labor unions fight for is not just their interests but the interests of the masses. Again, labor union should not be viewed as a hindrance for the economic development. It is not enough to say that a country is developed based on a high gross national product which is achieved through lower cost of production that includes lower wages for the laborers. Higher gross national product which is achieved through exploitations of workers does not mean economic and social justice. Reference Collective bargaining and labor arbitration: an overview. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from            http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Collective_bargaining#collective_bargaini           ng_and_labor_arbitration:_an_overview John. (November 11, 2006). Guide to taking strike action. Retrieved November 18, 2006,         from http://libcom.org/organise/guide-to-taking-strike-action National Labor Relations Board. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from            http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/bus/A0834954.html Ranghelli. (March 2005). Joining Forces Community Organizations and Labor Unions Form     New Collaborations. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from Unions and Union Members: Union Elections. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from            http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/unions-elections.htm Villanueva Siasoco, Ricco. Hard Labor. How unions fought to honor the American worker.      Retrieved November18, 2006, from http://www.factmonster.com/spot/labor1.html   Labor Relations Labor relation entails policies and daily practices that are concerned with the regulation and management of individual and team relationships within the organization. Essentially, employee relations are centered on the ability to resolve and prevent conflicts that involve either an individual or the teams in the organization which directly affect work situations and performance. Efficient communication ensures that information is passed to the employees in order to allow them understand better the company’s goals and objectives. Most employee relations managers uphold the responsibility of handling grievances, individual code of conduct while in the office, evaluation of employee performance and counseling programs. Sound employee relations are based on participation and effective communication for both the management and the employees. There are various management styles that cover the way employee relations must be conducted in order to achieve the best from the employees. (Selid, 1995) Trade unions are organized groups of employees officially recognized by both the government and their employer that have come together to promote their common interests. Trade unions have a responsibility of ensuring get the value of what they work for. They are directed to provide a communication channel between the employer and the employees. In some cases, In the United States, trade unions are registered by the specific State that it operates from and they are ratified by the federal government. The United States have a national advisory board referred to as Employee Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) that is concerned with formulating national policies which must be adhered to by individual Employee Relations Advisory Organization (ERAO) which every institution including airline companies must have. At least one representative of ERAO is elected to sit at the Employee Relations Advisory Board. In an airline setting for example, their union is responsible for providing the company’s management with suggestions on how to solicit and disseminate information on plans and programs that are designed for employees who will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. (Employee Relations Advisory Organization, 2004) There are impact of changes in employee relations strategies, policies, and practices on organizational performance. For example if employees within an organization are represented by a trade union fully recognized by the same organization e.g. the airline company and the government, cooperation between the employer that is airline company and its employees will be enhanced the workplace. Good and sound formulated strategies and policies that relates to labor relations in organization particularly the airline companies will lead to attainment of organizations goals and pursuing the company’s mission statement in the direct path. There are various management styles that cover the way employee relations must be conducted in order to achieve the best from the employees. These management styles are intended to teach employees the following; applicable regulations and policies, bargaining agreements, grievance and appeal rights, and discrimination and protection of whistleblowers. The impact of changes in employee relations has broadened its definition from the initial industrial relations to such aspects as employer-employee relations, personal contracts, workplace environmental safety, and socio-emotional factors. In developed countries like in the U.S and mostly in airline industries, there is a growing trend of harmonization in almost all levels of government mainly because of the government commitment to enhance employee relations programs. (Sparrow and Hilltop, 1994) Trade unions plays a very major role in trying to protect the rights of employees who form there membership and research indicates that they still relevant in the U.S. administration because they have the task of ensuring that employees rights regarding to the workplace are protected. However, due to corruption and other malpractices the effectiveness of these trade unions has been compromised over the last few years. Research indicates that the employers in the U.S. for example employers in the airline industry are reported to be harassing there employees in the pretext that they are giving out instructions to be obeyed in order to achieve the stated organizational goals, a development which does not auger well with trade unions in the U.S. (Delaney and Huselid, 1996) In general, these trade unions has the following roles, labor climate assessment, positive employee relation programs, union campaigns and election objectives, unfair labor practices such as poor wages and unfounded dismissals, dealing with workplace harassment, coordinating and implementing cooperate relations programs, and handling complaint/issue resolution processes in the respective organizations among others. The only problem that normally cause misunderstanding between the trade unions and the companies or government is that the trade unions can organize go slows, strikes, destructions etc when round table solutions to issues fails. This is very hard for a company to control but with negotiations, it can reach an agreement. Trade unions officials are responsible to their members and they are usually elected to office mainly through secret ballots. This implies those vying for any seats have to campaign for votes from the union members. Sometimes some officials use unfair campaign strategies that do not foster fairness and equality among the contenders. Also these trade union officials play a significant role in any country’s general election because they can influence their members on what directions to vote e.g. advising the members to vote out the present government because of some dissatisfaction that they have with it. Trade unions plays an important role contract negotiations; almost everything can be bargained these days and therefore with employee relations through trade unions such issues as awarding contracts, compensations, benefits, and work schedules can be sorted out by discussing them until a solution is achieved. The bargaining approach settles conflicts that arise as a result of contract matters. It also outlines the rules with which the basis of handling specific work agreements is sorted out. Normally, if this approach is well utilized, employee relations are greatly improved. Grievance handling in any organization is very crucial to all organizations and at least every company has some way of dealing with their grievances. In fact, it is considered that a few individuals in a company are so arrogant that they are font of harassing their workmates leading to poor productivity. Companies need to develop a grievance handling procedure that will ensure that conflicts are eliminated in the organization. Without proper handling grievances of the employees well trade unions may call for strikes to force the government to implement their desired changes. In the recent past strikes and go-slows have become common methods which employees use them to pass their grievances to their employers. (Brewster, 1995) It is therefore prudent for management of any organization to adopt employee recognition strategies. This is another factor that the employers put into consideration for the organization to improve its employee relations; this is basically a communication instrument, which strengthens and compensates the most significant production that the employees have created for the organization. The recognition structure is always made simple, instant, and effectively supportive to the employees’ relations and the organization at large. (Chevrier, 2003) Reference: Brewster. C (1995): Towards a European Model of Human Resource Management- Journal of International Business. Vol 26 Pp 45-67 Chevrier, S. (2003): Cross-cultural management in multinational project groups Journal of World Business. Vol.38. Pp 77-89 Delaney. J and Huselid. M (1996):- The impact of human resource management practices on perceptions of performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Academy of Management Journal. Vol 39. Pp 34-56 Employee Relations Advisory Organization, (2004): Labor Relations Washington D.C, Article 2. Pp 5-29 Murray, A. (1989): Top management group heterogeneity and firm performance. Strategic Management Journal Vol. 10, Special issue. Pp 13-34 Selid, M. (1995):- The impact of human resource management practices on turnover, productivity, and corporate financial performance- Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 38. Pp 54-76 Sparrow, P. and Hilltop, J. (1994): European Human Resource Management in Transition. Prentice Hall, New York. Pp 23-45     Â
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