Labor Unions and Collective Bargaining: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Administration Students

Question 1

What is a primary objective of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

Represent workers in collective bargaining

Answer

Increase workplace productivity

Answer

Reduce labor costs for employers

Answer

Control the supply of labor in specific industries

Question 2

Which U.S. law specifically safeguards employees' rights to establish unions and participate in collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

Answer

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Answer

Civil Rights Act (CRA)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA)

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a labor union?

Accepted Answer

To represent employees in collective bargaining, advocating for their interests and working conditions.

Answer

To provide social and recreational activities for members.

Answer

To lobby for political candidates that support union-friendly policies.

Answer

To protect employers from unfair labor practices by employees.

Question 4

What is the term for the process by which labor unions and employers negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions?

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining: Negotiations between unions representing employees and employers to determine terms of employment.

Answer

Arbitration: A process where a neutral third party makes a binding decision.

Answer

Mediation: A process where a neutral third party assists in facilitating negotiations.

Answer

Grievance procedure: A process for resolving disputes between employees and their supervisors.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Fewer opportunities for promotion, as seniority may be prioritized over merit in unionized workplaces.

Answer

Increased wages and benefits.

Answer

Improved working conditions, such as safer work environments and flexible schedules.

Answer

Job security, as unions often negotiate seniority-based layoff policies.

Question 6

When a labor union calls upon its members to refuse to work in order to pressure an employer into meeting their demands, this action is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Strike: A work stoppage organized by a labor union to demand better working conditions or address grievances.

Answer

Grievance: A formal complaint filed by an employee alleging a violation of their rights.

Answer

Lockout: When an employer prevents employees from working as a response to union actions.

Answer

Boycott: When consumers refuse to purchase goods or services from a company as a form of protest.

Question 7

What is the main purpose of a grievance procedure in a unionized workplace?

Accepted Answer

To resolve disputes between employees and their supervisors through a formal process.

Answer

To establish new union contracts.

Answer

To prevent strikes by providing a structured mechanism for addressing employee concerns.

Answer

To punish employees for misconduct.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

To enforce labor laws, prevent unfair labor practices, and ensure the rights of employees and unions.

Answer

To represent unions in collective bargaining negotiations.

Answer

To set wages and benefits for unionized employees.

Answer

To provide legal advice to employers on labor relations matters.

Question 9

What is the main purpose of a seniority system in a unionized workplace?

Accepted Answer

To protect employees from layoffs by giving priority to those with longer service in the company.

Answer

To ensure that employees are promoted based solely on their qualifications and merit.

Answer

To give preferential treatment to union members in hiring and promotion decisions.

Answer

To determine the order of vacation time selection.

Question 10

The formal process of negotiating and establishing the terms and conditions of employment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Dispute resolution

Answer

Wage bargaining

Answer

Labor mediation

Question 11

Which outcome is not generally considered an advantage of collective bargaining for employees?

Accepted Answer

Loss of individual negotiating power

Answer

Higher wages and benefits

Answer

Improved working conditions

Answer

Increased job security

Question 12

In the United States, the government agency primarily responsible for overseeing and regulating labor relations is the:

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)

Question 13

The "closed shop" provision in a collective bargaining agreement implies that:

Accepted Answer

All employees must join the union as a condition of employment

Answer

Only newly hired employees are required to join the union

Answer

Union membership is strictly prohibited

Answer

The union is not permitted to engage in strikes

Question 14

Which strategy is commonly employed by employers to counter the influence of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

Union avoidance and suppression

Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Labor arbitration

Answer

Employee strikes

Question 15

The "right-to-work" law:

Accepted Answer

Prohibits mandatory union membership as a condition of employment

Answer

Requires employers to recognize unions as the exclusive bargaining representative

Answer

Protects employees from employer discrimination based on union membership

Answer

Obliges unions to engage in collective bargaining with employers

Question 16

In labor relations, which of the following is a non-adversarial approach to resolving disputes?

Accepted Answer

Mediation

Answer

Binding arbitration

Answer

Strikes

Answer

Boycotts

Question 17

"AFL-CIO" stands for:

Accepted Answer

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

Answer

American Federation of Labor and Chamber of International Organizations

Answer

American Federation of Labor and Civil Industry Organizations

Answer

Associated Federation of Labor and Congress of International Organizations

Question 18

How has technology affected labor unions in recent years?

Accepted Answer

Technology has led to job losses, weakened unions, and reduced bargaining power.

Answer

Technology has boosted union membership and bargaining power.

Answer

Technology has had little impact on the strength and influence of labor unions.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

Certifying new employees

Answer

Representing employees in negotiations

Answer

Negotiating terms of employment

Answer

Improving workplace conditions

Question 20

What is the term for the process of negotiation and agreement between unions and employers on wages, benefits, and working conditions?

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Conciliation

Question 21

What is the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) responsible for in relation to collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

Upholding labor laws and safeguarding employee rights

Answer

Arbitrating collective bargaining agreements

Answer

Facilitating mediation between unions and employers

Answer

Representing employers during negotiations

Question 22

Explain what a 'closed shop' is.

Accepted Answer

A unionized workplace where only union members can be employed

Answer

A workplace where non-union employees are not allowed

Answer

A workplace where collective bargaining is mandatory

Answer

A workplace where unions have no influence

Question 23

Which step is NOT part of the collective bargaining process?

Accepted Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Negotiation

Answer

Ratification

Question 24

What is a labor union, and how has it historically influenced labor market dynamics?

Accepted Answer

An organized group of employees who negotiate with employers for better working conditions and benefits.

Answer

A government agency that regulates labor relations and sets industry standards.

Answer

A non-profit organization that supports low-income workers.

Answer

An association of employers that negotiates with labor unions.

Question 25

Which fundamental principle of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) safeguards employees' right to form unions and engage in collective actions?

Accepted Answer

Right to Organize

Answer

Right to Strike

Answer

Right to Fair Representation

Answer

Right to Union Security

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

To suppress wages

Answer

To represent employees in collective bargaining

Answer

To negotiate better working conditions

Answer

To provide legal assistance to members

Question 27

What is the formal process through which labor unions and employers negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions called?

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Conciliation

Question 28

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

Good faith bargaining

Answer

Winner-take-all approach

Answer

Unilateral decision-making

Answer

Coercion and intimidation

Question 29

What is the main responsibility of a union steward?

Accepted Answer

Representing individual union members in grievance and disciplinary matters

Answer

Organizing new members

Answer

Negotiating collective bargaining agreements

Question 30

What type of strike action involves workers refusing to perform certain tasks or work overtime?

Accepted Answer

Selective strike

Answer

Wildcat strike

Answer

General strike

Answer

Sympathy strike

Question 31

What is the commonly used name for the Wagner Act of 1935?

Accepted Answer

The National Labor Relations Act

Answer

The Equal Pay Act

Answer

The Fair Labor Standards Act

Answer

The Occupational Safety and Health Act

Question 32

Which of the following is a potential benefit of union membership for employees?

Accepted Answer

Increased job security

Answer

Fewer opportunities for promotion

Answer

Lower wages

Answer

Limited access to benefits

Question 33

What is the primary purpose of a union certification election?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether a union will be recognized as the sole bargaining representative for employees

Answer

To elect union officers

Question 34

Which factor can significantly impact the outcome of a collective bargaining negotiation?

Accepted Answer

The relative bargaining power of the union and the employer

Answer

The phase of the moon

Answer

The weather

Question 35

What is the term for an agreement reached between a union and an employer without formal negotiations?

Accepted Answer

Memorandum of understanding (MOU)

Answer

Side agreement

Answer

Letter of intent

Answer

Verbal agreement

Question 36

Which statement correctly represents a key principle of collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Answer

The process is governed by state laws only.

Answer

Negotiations are solely conducted by third-party mediators.

Answer

Unions are not involved in negotiations between employers and employees.

Question 37

What is the primary responsibility of a union steward within a collective bargaining unit?

Accepted Answer

Representing union members in grievance procedures.

Answer

Negotiating contracts with employers.

Answer

Organizing new union members.

Question 38

Which of the following is a potential benefit of union membership for employees?

Accepted Answer

Increased job security.

Answer

Lower wages.

Answer

Reduced benefits.

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of a strike in the context of collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

To exert pressure on employers to meet union demands.

Answer

To reward union members for their hard work.

Answer

To prevent employers from hiring new workers.

Question 40

What is the key difference between a closed shop and a union shop in terms of union security?

Accepted Answer

In a closed shop, employees must be union members before they can be hired, while in a union shop, employees must join the union within a certain period after being hired.

Answer

Closed shops are more common in the public sector, while union shops are more common in the private sector.

Answer

In a union shop, only management is required to be union members.

Question 41

What is the term for a group of employees who organize to bargain collectively with their employer without the representation of a union?

Accepted Answer

Employee association.

Answer

Professional association.

Answer

Bargaining unit.

Answer

Union local.

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

To administer and enforce federal labor laws.

Answer

To organize and certify labor unions.

Answer

To represent employers in collective bargaining.

Answer

To mediate disputes between unions and employers.

Question 43

Which of the following is a potential outcome of successful collective bargaining between a union and an employer?

Accepted Answer

A mutually acceptable contract that addresses wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Answer

A strike.

Answer

A lockout.

Question 44

What is the term for the legal process by which a union is formally recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for a group of employees?

Accepted Answer

Certification.

Answer

Arbitration.

Answer

Mediation.

Answer

Negotiation.

Question 45

According to the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which of the following is NOT a right guaranteed to employees?

Accepted Answer

The right to be discriminated against based on union affiliation

Answer

The right to bargain collectively through a union

Answer

The right to form and join labor unions

Question 46

Which of the following is a primary argument used by critics of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

Unions can lead to higher labor costs for employers.

Answer

Unions foster a sense of solidarity among employees.

Answer

Unions advocate for employee safety and health improvements.

Answer

Unions provide a platform for employee voice in the workplace.

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a primary purpose of labor unions?

Accepted Answer

To generate profits for their members

Answer

To represent employees in negotiations with employers

Answer

To provide legal assistance and support to members

Answer

To improve working conditions for employees

Question 48

The process of formal negotiations between unions and employers to determine terms and conditions of employment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Conciliation

Question 49

Which of the following is a type of collective bargaining agreement that requires all employees in a workplace to be union members?

Accepted Answer

Closed shop

Answer

Right-to-work law

Answer

Agency shop

Answer

Open shop

Question 50

The primary role of a union steward is to:

Accepted Answer

Represent union members in grievances and disputes with management.

Answer

Negotiate contracts on behalf of the union with employers.

Answer

Organize new members for the union.

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of union membership?

Accepted Answer

Lower wages

Answer

Access to health insurance and benefits

Answer

Increased job security and protection against unfair dismissal

Answer

Improved working conditions and safety standards

Question 52

The main purpose of a strike is to:

Accepted Answer

Pressure an employer to negotiate or agree to union demands.

Answer

Demonstrate solidarity and unity among union members.

Answer

Protest government policies and regulations.

Question 53

A potential negative consequence of collective bargaining for employers could be:

Accepted Answer

Increased labor costs due to negotiated wages and benefits.

Answer

Improved working conditions and employee satisfaction.

Answer

Increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Answer

Reduced employee turnover and improved retention.

Question 54

What is the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)?

Accepted Answer

A federal law that protects the rights of employees to organize and bargain collectively

Answer

A state law that regulates the activities of labor unions

Answer

A court case that established the right of employees to form unions

Question 55

What is the purpose of a grievance procedure?

Accepted Answer

To provide a fair and impartial process for resolving disputes between employees and employers

Answer

To protect employers from frivolous lawsuits

Answer

To allow unions to bypass management in resolving disputes