Key Provisions of the NLRA: Labor Law Quiz

Question 1

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which action is NOT considered an unfair labor practice by employers?

Accepted Answer

Hiring permanent replacements for striking employees

Answer

Interfering with the formation of a union

Answer

Discriminating against employees for union involvement

Answer

Refusing to bargain in good faith with a union

Question 2

According to Section 7 of the NLRA, which of the following is NOT a protected concerted activity?

Accepted Answer

Employees protesting political policies through a work stoppage

Answer

Employees discussing their working conditions

Answer

Employees forming a union

Answer

Employees striking due to unfair labor practices

Question 3

Which of the following activities is NOT protected under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Harassment

Answer

Forming unions

Answer

Engaging in collective bargaining

Answer

Striking

Question 4

What is the primary function of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

Enforce the NLRA and resolve labor disputes

Answer

Represent employers in collective bargaining

Answer

Provide legal advice to unions

Answer

Mediate strikes

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a strike in the context of labor relations?

Accepted Answer

To apply pressure on employers to accept union demands

Answer

To prevent employers from hiring replacement workers

Answer

To punish employers for unfair labor practices

Answer

To enhance the union's public image

Question 6

What is the main objective of the "cooling-off" period imposed by the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To allow for negotiations without the pressure of an immediate strike

Answer

To give unions time to prepare for a strike

Answer

To give employers time to find replacement workers

Answer

To punish unions for participating in illegal strikes

Question 7

Which provision of the NLRA enhanced the influence of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

Ban on yellow-dog contracts

Answer

Right to engage in sympathy strikes

Answer

Establishment of a minimum wage

Answer

Prohibition of closed shops

Question 8

Which of the following activities is NOT protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)?

Accepted Answer

Spying on union organizers

Answer

Joining a union

Answer

Refusing to work overtime

Answer

Participating in a legal strike

Question 9

According to the NLRA, who qualifies as an 'employer'?

Accepted Answer

Any person or entity employing one or more individuals

Answer

Any business with at least 15 employees

Answer

Solely government entities

Answer

Only businesses engaged in interstate commerce

Question 10

What is the primary function of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the NLRA and adjudicate labor disputes

Answer

To advocate solely for unions and their members

Answer

To represent employers exclusively in labor negotiations

Answer

To regulate collective bargaining agreements

Question 11

Which of the following fundamental rights are guaranteed to employees under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Forming unions, engaging in collective bargaining, and participating in strikes

Answer

Receiving fair compensation and working in safe conditions

Answer

Being free from discrimination and harassment

Answer

Having access to health insurance and paid time off

Question 12

What is the primary distinction between a closed shop and an open shop?

Accepted Answer

In a closed shop, only union members are eligible for employment, while in an open shop, non-union members can also be hired.

Answer

In an open shop, only non-union members are allowed to be employed, while in a closed shop, union members may also be hired.

Answer

There is no distinction between a closed shop and an open shop.

Answer

Closed shops are illegal under the NLRA, while open shops are permitted.

Question 13

What is the primary definition of a strike?

Accepted Answer

A temporary work stoppage by employees to protest their working conditions

Answer

A permanent work stoppage by employees to demand higher wages

Answer

A legal action taken by employers to punish employees for unionizing

Answer

A form of collective bargaining where employees negotiate directly with their employer

Question 14

What is the primary responsibility of a union steward?

Accepted Answer

Representing employees in grievances and negotiations with management

Answer

Collecting union dues from members

Answer

Organizing union elections

Answer

Enforcing the terms of the CBA

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of unions for employees?

Accepted Answer

Lower unemployment rates

Answer

Higher wages and benefits

Answer

Improved working conditions

Answer

Increased job security

Question 16

What was the primary reason for the enactment of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935?

Accepted Answer

Increased unionization and labor disputes

Answer

Economic downturn and mass unemployment

Answer

Government intervention in the economy

Answer

Rapid technological advancements

Question 17

What is the primary objective of the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To foster industrial harmony

Answer

To set minimum wage standards

Answer

To prevent unfair business practices

Answer

To arbitrate labor disputes

Question 18

By what process do employees determine whether or not to be represented by a union?

Accepted Answer

Union representation election

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Grievance procedure

Question 19

Which of the following activities is NOT protected under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in acts of violence or property damage

Answer

Distributing union materials

Answer

Discussing union organizing with colleagues

Answer

Participating in peaceful strikes

Question 20

What is the primary function of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the provisions of the NLRA

Answer

To conduct union representation elections

Answer

To resolve collective bargaining disputes

Answer

To represent unions in negotiations

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of a collective bargaining agreement?

Accepted Answer

To establish the terms and conditions of employment

Answer

To settle labor disputes

Answer

To guarantee job security for employees

Answer

To prevent strikes from occurring

Question 22

Under the NLRA, which of the following is NOT considered a mandatory subject of bargaining?

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary policies

Answer

Wages

Answer

Hours

Answer

Subcontracting

Question 23

What is the legal standard of proof required for employers to successfully challenge the validity of a union representation election?

Accepted Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Answer

Preponderance of the evidence

Answer

Beyond a reasonable doubt

Answer

Good faith belief

Question 24

Which of the following activities is NOT protected under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Employees declining to work overtime

Answer

Employees discussing their wages with each other

Answer

Employees filing a formal grievance with their supervisor

Answer

Employees actively organizing within a union

Question 25

What is the fundamental purpose of the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To establish the right of employees to form unions and engage in collective bargaining

Answer

To solely protect the hiring and firing authority of employers

Answer

To solely regulate wages and hours of work

Answer

To prevent unfair labor practices by employers and unions equally

Question 26

Which agency holds the authority to enforce the provisions of the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Answer

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

The Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Question 27

Explain the distinction between a closed shop and an open shop in a unionized workplace.

Accepted Answer

In a closed shop, union membership is mandatory for all employees, while in an open shop, employees have the choice to join or not join the union.

Answer

In an open shop, union membership is mandatory for all employees, while in a closed shop, employees have the choice to join or not join the union.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between a closed shop and an open shop.

Answer

A closed shop refers to a union in which membership is automatic, while an open shop involves voluntary membership.

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of a collective bargaining agreement?

Accepted Answer

To clearly outline the terms and conditions of employment for a specific group of employees or bargaining unit

Answer

To resolve disputes that may arise between employers and unions

Answer

To solely prevent or mitigate unfair labor practices

Answer

To exclusively promote cooperation between employers and unions

Question 29

Describe the role of the National Mediation Board (NMB).

Accepted Answer

The NMB's primary function is to facilitate and mediate labor disputes within the transportation sector, including airlines and railroads.

Answer

The NMB is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the NLRA.

Answer

The NMB sets minimum wage and overtime pay standards.

Answer

The NMB provides training and resources for union representatives.

Question 30

Explain the key difference between a strike and a lockout.

Accepted Answer

A strike is initiated by employees to protest working conditions, while a lockout is initiated by employers to pressure employees.

Answer

A lockout is initiated by employees to protest working conditions, while a strike is initiated by employers to pressure employees.

Answer

There is no substantial difference between a strike and a lockout.

Answer

A strike is a temporary work stoppage, whereas a lockout is a permanent work stoppage.

Question 31

Which section of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) explicitly ensures the right of employees to form and join unions?

Accepted Answer

Section 7

Answer

Section 8

Answer

Section 9

Answer

Section 10

Question 32

Identify the designated agency responsible for enforcing the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act.

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Board

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Answer

Department of Labor

Answer

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Question 33

Which of the following actions is NOT considered a protected concerted activity under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Surreptitiously monitoring union organizers

Answer

Participating in a strike

Answer

Engaging in peaceful picketing

Answer

Organizing a union boycott

Question 34

What is the purpose of the "cooling-off" period stipulated in the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating mediation efforts to resolve labor conflicts

Answer

Mandating a waiting period before a union can initiate a strike

Answer

Prohibiting strikes in critical industries

Answer

Preventing the termination of employees during a strike

Question 35

Differentiate between a "sympathy strike" and a "secondary boycott" in the context of labor relations.

Accepted Answer

A sympathy strike involves employees of an unrelated employer, whereas a secondary boycott targets businesses associated with the primary employer.

Answer

Sympathy strikes are illegal, while secondary boycotts are protected by the NLRA.

Answer

Both strikes are prohibited under the NLRA.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between the two.

Question 36

Which provision of the NLRA explicitly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for engaging in union activities?

Accepted Answer

Section 8(a)(3)

Answer

Section 7

Answer

Section 9(a)

Answer

Section 10(b)

Question 37

Which of the following is a limitation on the right to strike under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Strikes that create a national emergency or imperil the national health or safety

Answer

Sympathy strikes in support of other striking workers

Answer

Solidarity strikes against an employer who is unfair to its own workers

Answer

Wildcat strikes that are not authorized by the union

Question 38

What is the primary function of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the NLRA, investigate and resolve unfair labor practice complaints, and conduct secret-ballot elections to determine union representation

Answer

To provide mediation and conciliation services to help resolve labor disputes

Answer

To set minimum wage and overtime pay rates for workers

Answer

To represent unions in collective bargaining negotiations with employers

Question 39

What is the main purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act?

Accepted Answer

To amend the NLRA and restrict the power of unions, such as regulating union political activities and prohibiting closed shop agreements

Answer

To promote collective bargaining between unions and employers and establish the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Answer

To establish the NLRB as the primary labor relations agency and define unfair labor practices

Answer

To provide unemployment benefits to workers and ensure the right to a fair hearing before being discharged

Question 40

How has the Supreme Court balanced the rights of employees and employers in its interpretations of the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court has recognized the NLRA's role in protecting the rights of both employees and employers.

Answer

The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted the NLRA narrowly, limiting its scope and protections.

Answer

The Supreme Court's rulings have allowed employers greater freedom to interfere with union activity.

Answer

The Supreme Court has used the NLRA to prohibit all forms of union activity.

Question 41

Identify the primary responsibility of the National Mediation Board (NMB).

Accepted Answer

Resolving labor disputes in the transportation and airline industries

Answer

Mediating labor disputes in the healthcare industry

Answer

Certifying collective bargaining units in the transportation industry

Answer

Investigating unfair labor practices in the manufacturing industry

Question 42

Which section of the NLRA establishes employees' rights to organize and bargain collectively?

Accepted Answer

Section 7

Answer

Section 5

Answer

Section 9

Question 43

What action by an employer is an example of an unfair labor practice prohibited by the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Discharging an employee for engaging in union activity

Answer

Setting strict work schedules

Answer

Refusing to pay an employee overtime

Answer

Providing employees with benefits

Question 44

Which of the following is a primary purpose of the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To protect the rights of employees

Answer

To promote economic growth

Answer

To resolve all labor disputes

Answer

To prevent inflation

Question 45

According to the NLRA, who is responsible for enforcing its provisions?

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Question 46

Which of the following activities is NOT protected by the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Distributing political campaign materials

Answer

Organizing a union

Answer

Engaging in collective bargaining

Answer

Striking

Question 47

What is the purpose of a 'cooling-off period' in a labor dispute?

Accepted Answer

To give the parties time to reach an agreement before a strike or lockout

Answer

To allow the government to intervene in the dispute

Answer

To punish employees for engaging in a strike

Question 48

Which type of strike is authorized by a union in accordance with the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Legal strike

Answer

Wildcat strike

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT considered a mandatory subject of bargaining under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

The color of the company cafeteria

Answer

Overtime pay

Answer

Hours of work

Answer

Wages

Question 50

Which of the following activities is NOT protected as concerted activity under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Employees casually discussing their salaries during a lunch break, without any intention of taking action or forming a union.

Answer

Employees organizing a petition to demand better working conditions.

Answer

Employees collaborating to negotiate a better contract with their employer.

Answer

Employees discussing their concerns about workplace safety with their supervisor.

Question 51

The NLRA prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labor practices. Which of the following actions is NOT considered an unfair labor practice under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with a union, if the employer has a legitimate reason for doing so.

Answer

Discriminating against employees who support unionization.

Answer

Threatening to close a factory if employees vote to unionize.

Answer

Interfering with employees' right to form a union.

Question 52

The NLRA grants employees the right to form, join, or assist labor organizations. Which of the following is NOT a protected labor organization under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

A group of employees who decide to negotiate their wages directly with their employer, without forming a formal union or engaging in collective bargaining.

Answer

An independent labor union.

Answer

An employee association that represents workers' interests in collective bargaining.

Answer

A union affiliated with a national labor organization.

Question 53

Collective bargaining under the NLRA involves negotiations between:

Accepted Answer

An employer and a labor union representing its employees.

Answer

Government agencies and labor unions.

Answer

Employees and individual employers (outside of the context of a union).

Answer

Labor unions and other labor organizations.

Question 54

The NLRA allows employees to engage in strikes under certain circumstances. Which of the following is NOT a legitimate reason for a strike under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

To protest a recent government policy that the employees disagree with.

Answer

To protest unfair labor practices by an employer.

Answer

To demonstrate solidarity with another union's strike.

Answer

To pressure an employer to agree to a union's demands during contract negotiations.

Question 55

The NLRA exempts certain categories of workers from its coverage. Which of the following categories is NOT typically exempt from the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Public school teachers (while some public sector employees are covered, teachers are often covered by state-specific laws rather than the NLRA).

Answer

Supervisors.

Answer

Independent contractors.

Answer

Agricultural workers.

Question 56

An employee is considering filing an unfair labor practice charge against their employer. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for filing a valid charge with the NLRB?

Accepted Answer

The employee must have a personal connection to the unfair labor practice, such as being directly harmed by it (while it's common, direct harm is not always required).

Answer

The charge must be filed within six months of the alleged unfair labor practice.

Answer

The charge must be filed with the NLRB regional office.

Answer

The charge must be in writing and contain specific details about the alleged unfair labor practice.

Question 57

Which of the following amendments significantly expanded the rights of public sector employees to form unions?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.

Answer

The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947.

Answer

The Employee Free Choice Act (which was never passed into law).

Answer

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959.

Question 58

A company is trying to prevent its employees from unionizing. Which of the following actions would be considered an unfair labor practice under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Threatening to fire employees who support unionization.

Answer

Asking employees about their union sentiments during a performance review, as long as it's not done to intimidate them.

Answer

Holding mandatory meetings with employees to discuss the company's perspective on unionization, as long as the meetings are not coercive.

Answer

Providing employees with information about the potential costs and benefits of unionization, as long as the information is truthful and objective.