Question 1

Why is a strike authorization vote usually undertaken?

Accepted Answer

A strike authorization vote is usually undertaken to increase pressure on the employer by raising the potential for a strike. It signals to the employer that the union is ready and willing to strike if necessary, which can give the union more leverage in negotiations. It does not necessarily mean that the union will go on strike, but it does show that the union has the support of its members to take that step if needed.

Question 2

Which term refers to the written document prepared by management that includes a contingency operating plan in case of a strike?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which term refers to the written document...

Question 3

Which of the following are typically found in a collective agreement?

Accepted Answer

Collective agreements typically include provisions regarding pay and benefits, vacation policies, and shift schedules. Social committee guidelines, staff charitable donations, strike guidelines, lockout notices, and legislated holidays may also be included, but are less common or specific to certain industries.

Question 4

Which term refers to subcontracting and transferring work to other locations?

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing refers to subcontracting and transferring work to other locations.

Question 5

What must the employer's bargaining strategy address when preparing for negotiations?

Accepted Answer

The employer's bargaining strategy should address their willingness to lock out employees or accept a strike as this will impact the negotiation process and potential outcomes. The other options listed may also be important considerations, but they may not necessarily be the primary focus of the employer's bargaining strategy.

Question 6

How are union leaders established?

Accepted Answer

Union leaders are typically elected by union members. They may run for office and campaign, or they may be nominated and voted on by fellow members during union elections. In some cases, union leaders may be appointed if there is a vacancy in a leadership position and the constitution or bylaws of the union allow for it, or if the current leadership decides to appoint someone for a specific role or task. However, in most cases union leaders are established through a democratic election process.

Question 7

What is the largest union in Canada representing public employees?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is the largest union in Canada representing public employees, with over 700,000 members. The other options listed are either specific to certain industries or have smaller membership numbers.

Question 8

Which term best describes the situation when employees are strictly following the terms of the collective agreement?

Accepted Answer

"Work to rule" is a situation where employees follow the rules and procedures outlined in the collective agreement, but do not go above and beyond what is required. This type of action can be seen as a form of protest, as it can slow down work processes and disrupt productivity. The other choices (A, B, and C) describe more extreme forms of protest or action that go beyond simply following the rules.

Question 9

Jocelyn works in a busy manufacturing company. She belongs to a union and the collective agreement states that she is to have a 15-minute break in the morning and another one in the afternoon. She, and most of the people on her team, typically don't take a morning break. However, the union is currently in negotiations and has instructed the employees to take all their allotted breaks. Which term best describes this situation?

Accepted Answer

This situation is an example of "work to rule" where the employees strictly adhere to the collective agreement and take all their allotted breaks, even though they usually do not take the morning break.

Question 10

The textile workers at a local company have had a stressful weekend. Their union has been engaged in contract negotiations for the past 72 hours. When those on the 6 A.m. shift arrive at the factory the doors are chained and they cannot get in. What is this situation called?

Accepted Answer

A lock-out occurs when an employer prevents employees from entering the workplace, usually as a tactic during labor negotiations.

Question 11

Management's authority is supreme on all issues except those explicitly given up in the collective agreement. What is the name of this concept?

Accepted Answer

The concept described is known as residual rights. This means that management retains the right to make decisions and take actions on all issues not explicitly relinquished in the collective agreement.

Question 12

If the ability of the employer to continue operations during a strike is great, how likely is it that the union will finally win on its strike issues?

Accepted Answer

If the employer has a great ability to continue operations during a strike, it means they can withstand the consequences of the strike such as reduced productivity, loss of revenue etc. This reduces the pressure on the employer to come to an agreement with the union, making it less likely for the union to win on its strike issues.

Question 13

What is the neutral third-party role that suggests compromises or concessions to the parties that have reached a bargaining deadlock?

Accepted Answer

A mediator is a neutral third-party role that suggests compromises or concessions to the parties that have reached a bargaining deadlock. A negotiator is an individual who represents one of the parties involved and seeks to negotiate a favorable deal. A facilitator helps to guide the negotiation process, but does not actively suggest compromises or concessions. An arbitrator is a third-party who makes a binding decision on a dispute, rather than suggesting compromises or concessions.

Question 14

What are the three categories of proposals one side makes during negotiation?

Accepted Answer

The three categories of proposals one side makes during negotiation are must be achieved (non-negotiable), are just to trade (can be compromised), and they would like to achieve (flexible and can be abandoned). Option D aligns with these categories.

Question 15

The contract between the City of Toronto and the firefighters' union requires that unresolved contract terms be settled by arbitration. Which term best describes this arbitration process?

Accepted Answer

Interest arbitration involves an arbitrator (neutral third party) making a final and binding decision on unresolved contract terms, typically related to salaries, benefits, and other economic issues.

Question 16

Which term refers to the concept that is spelled out by an article in the collective agreement that lists the various rights of management?

Accepted Answer

Defined rights refer to the specific rights and responsibilities of management that are explicitly outlined in a collective agreement.

Question 17

Weber Can Co. has made an initial wage offer of two percent for a one-year contract with the International Canworkers Union. The Canworkers have demanded a ten percent increase but will accept an increase as low as six percent. What will most likely happen if Weber feels that the most it can offer is four percent?

Accepted Answer

A deadlock will result because Weber's maximum offer of four percent is below the minimum acceptable increase of six percent demanded by the Canworkers.

Question 18

What does the bargaining zone refer to?

Accepted Answer

The bargaining zone refers to the area within which the union and management are willing to agree, meaning it is the range of possible outcomes that both parties are willing to accept. It is the zone where negotiations can occur, and where a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.

Question 19

During the arbitration process, what is the purpose of the arbitration hearing?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the arbitration hearing is to gather necessary information and evidence in order for the arbitrator to make a decision and resolve the problem at hand. It is not to establish rights or discipline union members, and while unclear wording may be addressed, it is not the primary purpose of the hearing.

Question 20

Which term refers to the formal process that provides unions with a way to handle a complaint that one of the terms within a collective agreement has been violated?

Accepted Answer

The grievance process is a formal procedure used by unions to address violations of the terms outlined in a collective agreement. It provides a way for employees to file a complaint or grievance when they believe that their rights have been violated. The process typically involves several steps, which may include meetings between the union and management, mediation, and arbitration hearings. Ultimately, the goal is to resolve the dispute and ensure that the terms of the collective agreement are being followed.

Quiz 10: Understanding Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining