Question 1

In Canada,strike replacements are often not considered part of the bargaining unit and are not,therefore,entitled to vote on union matters.

Accepted Answer

In Canada, strike replacements are typically hired on a temporary basis and are not considered part of the bargaining unit, so they do not have the right to vote on union matters.

Question 2

Mexico's constitution was the first to address both social and economic rights of workers.

Accepted Answer

Mexico's constitution, enacted in 1917, was the first in the world to address social and economic rights of workers, including the right to organize and strike, the right to a minimum wage, and the right to basic social security.

Question 3

In many industrialized countries,most employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement even though they are not members of a union.

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between unions and employers, but in some countries, such agreements also extend to non-unionized workers. This is known as "extension" or "enforcement" of collective agreements, and it occurs in countries such as Germany, Sweden, and France. Therefore, it is true that many employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements even if they are not members of a union.

Question 4

The degree of hostility toward unionization that is present in the U.S.is unique among democratic,industrialized countries.

Accepted Answer

The degree of hostility toward unionization in the U.S. is indeed unique among democratic, industrialized countries. While unions are generally accepted and even encouraged in other countries, the U.S. has a long history of anti-union sentiment and laws that make it difficult for workers to organize.

Question 5

The most influential union federation in Mexico is called the Confederacion de Trabajadores Mexico or the Confederation of Mexican Workers.

Accepted Answer

The Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) is the most influential union federation in Mexico, representing over 4 million workers.

Question 6

Mexican workers are well protected by strong enforcement of Mexican labor laws as outlined in the Mexican Constitution.

Accepted Answer

While there are labor laws outlined in the Mexican Constitution, enforcement and implementation of these laws are often weak or non-existent, leading to exploitation and abuse of Mexican workers.

Question 7

Establishing and maintaining a union is easier under Canadian law than under U.S.law.

Accepted Answer

Canadian labor laws generally have more protections for workers and are more favorable towards unions, making it easier for workers to form and maintain unions compared to the United States.

Question 8

The Confederation of Mexican Workers was a strong opponent of the longtime ruling party in Mexico.

Accepted Answer

The Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) was actually a major labor union that supported the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the longtime ruling party in Mexico, for many decades.

Question 9

Although more of a social movement in the past,Canadian unions are moving toward the American business unionism model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Although more of a social movement in...

Question 10

In Canada ,each province has its own labor laws that governs their labor relations.

Accepted Answer

Each province in Canada has its own labor laws that governs their labor relations.

Question 11

While globalization,decentralization and the need for greater flexibility are important pressures in U.S.industrial relations,they are relatively unimportant issues for most other industrialized countries.

Accepted Answer

Globalization, decentralization, and the need for greater flexibility are important issues in industrial relations in most other industrialized countries as well, not just in the United States.

Question 12

The labor relations system in Canada has generally been more stable that the labor relations system in the U.S.

Accepted Answer

Canada has a system of labor relations that is based on a federally-regulated framework that establishes minimum standards for labor rights and relations. This system has generally been seen as more stable than the labor relations system in the United States, which is primarily governed by state laws and regulations that can vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Additionally, Canada has a tradition of cooperative and consensual labor-management relations that is reflected in the widespread use of collective bargaining and the absence of labor-management conflict.

Question 13

In Mexico,a union does not need to represent a majority of employees before it can engage in collective bargaining but it does need majority representation if it wishes to use the strike weapon.

Accepted Answer

In Mexico, a union can engage in collective bargaining without representing a majority of employees, but it must have majority representation to legally call for a strike. This is because collective bargaining can be initiated by any union that has members in the workplace, but a strike, being a more disruptive action, requires broader support to ensure it genuinely represents the interests of the majority of workers.

Question 14

In most industrialized countries,there is little support for unionization,significant employer resistance to unions,and weak support for a socialist movement.

Accepted Answer

In many industrialized countries, there is significant support for unionization, and while there may be employer resistance, unions often play a strong role in labor rights and negotiations. Additionally, some industrialized countries have strong socialist movements or parties that influence national policies and politics.

Question 15

Collective bargaining agreements are not legally enforceable in Mexico.

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining agreements are legally binding in Mexico as provided by the Federal Labor Law.

Question 16

There is a common set of labor laws governing labor relations across each of Canada's provinces.

Accepted Answer

While there are many similarities between the labor laws of Canada's provinces, each province has its own labor code and employment standards legislation with unique rules and regulations.

Question 17

Outside North America,collective bargaining is dominated by employer associations,rather than individual companies.

Accepted Answer

Outside North America, collective bargaining is often done through national, sectoral, or industry-level employer associations, rather than individual companies negotiating with unions. This is especially true in European countries with strong union traditions.

Question 18

Collective bargaining agreements in Mexico automatically include the minimum provisions that are set in the Mexican constitution.

Accepted Answer

In Mexico, collective bargaining agreements must at least include the minimum labor conditions established by the Mexican Constitution and the Federal Labor Law, ensuring that all workers are provided with the basic rights and protections mandated by law.

Question 19

Canadian union representation elections are conducted in the same manner as those in the U.S.

Accepted Answer

Canadian union representation elections have some differences from those in the U.S. For example, in Canada, unions are certified through a secret ballot vote conducted by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, whereas in the U.S., the National Labor Relations Board conducts representation elections. Additionally, Canada has rules regarding mandatory voting and automatic certification of a union if a majority vote for it, while the U.S. allows for greater employer involvement in the election process.

Question 20

Many Canadian workers are represented by U.S.unions in their dealings with their employer.

Accepted Answer

This is true for some Canadian workers, particularly those who work for American companies operating in Canada, such as the Big Three automakers. These workers are often represented by U.S. unions because they are part of the same collective bargaining agreements as their American counterparts. However, not all Canadian workers are represented by U.S. unions.

Quiz 12: Comparative Labor Relations