The role of the union in R&D

The performance of bargaining unit work by nonunion employees is prohibited under virtually all collective bargaining agreements. However, this prohibition generally does not apply under the condition that the work being performed is associated with research and development (R&D). It is suggested that, in unionized facilities, it behooves management and R&D personnel to clearly understand what constitutes R&D work and what the union's and employer's rights and responsibilities are when conducting such work. The author addresses these questions by examining and characterizing documented arbitration cases involving grievances in which assignment of R&D work has been a prime issue. >