Question 1

Jason Thomas recently joined ABC Inc. as loader to work on the shipping wharf. He has been told that he must join the union as a condition of employment. Which of the following is this employment provision called?

Accepted Answer

This employment provision is known as a union shop, where joining the union is a requirement for employment.

Question 2

According to Canadian labour relations legislation, all of the following employer actions are prohibited EXCEPT which one?

Accepted Answer

According to Canadian labour relations legislation, it is prohibited for employers to engage in anti-union behavior such as threatening to close the business, promising benefits for a no-vote, or increasing wages during the certification process. However, employers are allowed to state that they are willing to listen to and discuss any issue.

Question 3

In which organizing step does the collection of signed authorization cards play a major role?

Accepted Answer

The collection of signed authorization cards is crucial during the formation of an in-house organizing committee, as it demonstrates employee interest and support for union representation.

Question 4

Which of the following groups initiate most organizing campaigns?

Accepted Answer

Employees are typically the ones who initiate organizing campaigns as they seek better working conditions, benefits, and wages. Union organizers may assist in the process, but employees are usually the driving force behind the effort. Rival unions may also be involved in organizing campaigns, but this is less frequent. HRDC will not typically initiate organizing campaigns as it is a government organization rather than a union or employee group.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a duty of labour relations boards?

Accepted Answer

Labour relations boards do not have the authority to amend labour relations legislation. Their role is to interpret and enforce existing legislation.

Question 6

According to federal labour law, which of the following tactics can employers use in opposing unionization?

Accepted Answer

Employers are required by federal labor law to bargain in good faith with a union that has been recognized as the representative of the employees. The other options are either illegal or not applicable tactics for opposing unionization.

Question 7

Mary works in the basement of her employer's home sewing pants. Which of the following is one of the biggest challenges facing workers like Mary in becoming unionized?

Accepted Answer

The biggest challenge facing workers like Mary in becoming unionized is that they work in scattered locations, which makes it difficult to organize and coordinate unionization efforts. If workers are spread out geographically, it can be hard to get everyone together for meetings, rallies, or other activities that are important for building solidarity and momentum for unionization.

Question 8

In certification elections in Canada, how many employees must vote in favour of unions for them to become certified in workplaces?

Accepted Answer

In certification elections in Canada, a union becomes certified if it receives support from 50 percent, plus one, of the employees who vote. This is known as the "card-check" model. Option A states this requirement accurately.

Question 9

Louis, a union organizer in Ontario, needs what minimum percentage of signed authorization cards before the union can apply for a certification election?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Louis, a union organizer in Ontario, needs...

Question 10

Which of the following conditions and/or actions may result in labour relations boards imposing a union on an employer in some Canadian jurisdictions, even with as low as 5 percent of the authorization cards signed?

Accepted Answer

In some Canadian jurisdictions, if an employer violates unfair labour practices during the organizing process, labour relations boards may impose a union on the employer even if only 5 percent of employees sign authorization cards. This is done to protect employees from being intimidated or discriminated against by the employer for trying to form a union. However, the need for government for labour relations peace or advice from the International Labour Office are not sufficient conditions for imposing a union on an employer. Similarly, threats by other unions to go on strike may not be a valid reason for imposing a union on an employer.

Question 11

According to the text, in terms of employment relations, which of the following is a key reason why employers may begin employee involvement and empowerment programs?

Accepted Answer

The text states that employers may begin employee involvement and empowerment programs in order to avoid collective action by employees. This suggests that employers may see such programs as a way to diffuse potential conflicts and maintain control over employment relations.

Question 12

Mary Hart works for the federal government in the immigration department. Her office is located in Toronto. Which of the following pieces of labour legislation applies to her workplace?

Accepted Answer

Mary Hart works for the federal government, therefore the Canada Labour Code would apply to her workplace.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the key reasons why workers join unions in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Workers join unions in Canada primarily to improve their working conditions and compensation, achieve better job security, and have a say in decision-making related to their work. Changing the government is not typically a primary reason for union membership.

Question 14

Which of the following is the strongest reason to join a union?

Accepted Answer

Dissatisfaction with wages, benefits, and working conditions is the strongest reason to join a union as unions negotiate on behalf of their members for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Question 15

Yorkville Tire Manufacturing Company has been experiencing really bad management-employee relations for almost two years. Jack Spratt, one of the leaders among the employees, wants to help in unionizing the employees. He has met with most of the employees. What next should he do?

Accepted Answer

Forming an in-house organizing committee is the best next step for Jack Spratt to take. This committee can help educate and inform other employees about their rights and the benefits of unionizing. It can also help to coordinate any collective action or negotiations with the employer, such as bargaining for better working conditions or wages. This approach is more likely to result in a positive outcome for both the employees and the company than options like going on strike or appealing to outside parties. Additionally, forming an in-house committee can strengthen the workers' sense of unity and solidarity.

Question 16

Labour boards generally have representatives from which of the following groups?

Accepted Answer

Labour boards generally have representatives from both labour and management, as they are responsible for resolving disputes between the two groups. Representatives from third-party organizations, academia, and public servants may also be included, but their presence is not as crucial as that of labour and management representatives.

Question 17

Who is responsible for administering the union certification elections in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The labour relations board is responsible for administering the union certification elections in Canada. They ensure that the process is fair and impartial, and that eligible voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot without interference. The Canada Elections Commission is responsible for federal elections, but not for union certification elections. The union and employer may have a role in the certification process, but the primary responsibility lies with the labour relations board.

Question 18

Employees indicate their willingness to be represented by a union by signing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Employees indicate their willingness to be represented by a union by signing an authorization card. This card is a legal document that authorizes a union to represent the employee in collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions. A selection card, agreement card, and stipulation card are not commonly used terms in the context of union representation.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between unionized and nonunionized work in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Unionized workers in Canada typically receive higher wages and benefits compared to nonunionized workers. Unionized workers have the collective bargaining power to negotiate better pay, benefits, and working conditions with their employers.

Question 20

The majority of workers in Canada are governed by legislation at which of the following levels/jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

The majority of workers in Canada are governed by provincial legislation, as labor laws and employment standards are primarily under provincial jurisdiction. Only certain industries, like telecommunications and banking, fall under federal jurisdiction.

Quiz 14: The Dynamics of Labour Relations