University of Maryland Global Campus

HRMD 620: Employee and Labor Relations

A study guide to UMGC's HRMD 620, on employee and employer rights in union and nonunion U.S. workplaces, bargaining and dispute resolution.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

HRMD 620 is a 3-credit graduate course at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). UMGC describes it as an investigation of the rights and responsibilities of employees and organizations in union and nonunion environments in the United States.

The federal legal framework for collective bargaining is reviewed, along with common contract trends and issues, and all phases of unionization from organizing to contract maintenance.

The emphasis is on conflict management, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. Students find it demanding because law, process and negotiation all appear in one assignment.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityUniversity of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Course codeHRMD 620
Credits3 (UMGC course information)
LevelGraduate
Subject areaEmployee and labor relations (U.S.)
Typical workCase analyses, papers, discussions, negotiation exercises

What HRMD 620 Covers

UMGC description themeWhat it means in practice
Rights and responsibilitiesWhat employees and employers may and must do, with or without a union
Federal collective bargaining frameworkThe legal rules for organizing and bargaining
Contract trends and issuesCommon terms and points of dispute in agreements
Phases of unionizationFrom organizing through to maintaining a contract
Conflict, negotiation and ADRResolving disputes through bargaining and alternatives to litigation

Key Concepts Explained

Phases of Unionization

Organize your thinking in order: organizing, recognition, bargaining, agreement and administration. For each phase, ask what the law requires and what HR should do.

Invented illustration: During an organizing drive, a manager asks HR whether to warn staff against joining. The analysis separates lawful communication from conduct that could breach the rules in your course sources, and advises HR on what managers should and should not say.

Interest-Based Negotiation

Negotiation can focus on underlying interests rather than fixed positions. Explain interests on both sides and options that serve both.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Grievance procedures, mediation and arbitration resolve disputes without court. Compare them by cost, speed, control and relationship effects.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Assignment typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Case analysisApplying the frameworkIssue, rule, application, conclusion
Negotiation planPreparation and strategyInterests, options, limits, fallback
Dispute resolution comparisonUnderstanding of ADRTable of methods with strengths and limits
DiscussionReasoning with sourcesClaim, source, example

Preparing a Negotiation or Dispute Analysis

Many tasks ask you to plan or evaluate a bargaining or dispute situation. Prepare both sides, not only your own.

ElementWhat to work out
InterestsWhat each party needs beyond its stated position
AlternativesWhat each side does if no agreement is reached
OptionsTerms that serve both sets of interests
ProcessGrievance, mediation or arbitration, and why
Legal limitsWhat the federal framework permits or prohibits

Cite the legal source named in your course for each limit. A plan that is clever but unlawful will not score well.

Before You Submit HRMD 620

A final read against the assignment instructions catches most avoidable mark losses. Use this list on every submission.

Handling a Dispute on Paper

Describe the parties, the interests behind their positions, the rules that apply, and a fair process for resolving the matter. Balance employer and employee views.

Invented illustration: a team disputes a schedule change. You outline how consultation, documentation and a clear appeal step could settle it.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for HRMD 620

How We Help with HRMD 620

Send the assignment, rubric, case and feedback. We can prepare a custom answer for study, review your analysis, or edit for clarity and citations. This is study support, not legal advice. See also our human resources assignment help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of University of Maryland Global Campus and is not affiliated with it. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the material, then complete and submit your own work under University of Maryland Global Campus's academic integrity policy.

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Make Sense of Your HRMD 620 Work

Share the assignment and feedback. We prepare a worked model or review your draft for issue spotting and citations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits is HRMD 620?

UMGC lists 3 credits.

Does it cover non-U.S. law?

UMGC describes union and nonunion environments in the United States.

Does it cover negotiation?

Yes. UMGC says the emphasis is on conflict management, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution.

Is it graduate level?

Yes, it is a 600-level course.

Should I take HRMD 610 first?

UMGC recommends HRMD 610 as the first course in the specialization.

Can you do my assignment?

No. We can explain topics and give feedback, but your submission must be your own.