Question 1

A union that pursues the social unionism model, will try to achieve equity and voice:

Accepted Answer

A union that pursues the social unionism model aims to achieve equity and voice not only in the workplace but also in society as a whole. This means that they recognize that workplace issues are connected to broader social issues, such as inequality and discrimination, and seek to address both. The goal is not just to benefit the union leadership, but rather to improve the lives of all workers and promote a more just and equitable society.

Question 2

Social movement unionism is most closely aligned with which school of thought?

Accepted Answer

Social movement unionism is a school of thought that emphasizes worker activism, social justice, and building alliances with other social movements, such as feminism and environmentalism. This aligns closely with the critical industrial relations approach, which also critiques traditional power structures and seeks to empower workers and marginalized groups. Mainstream economics and human resource management tend to focus on maximizing profits and productivity, while industrial relations is a more moderate approach that seeks to balance the interests of employers and employees.

Question 3

A local union may represent all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

A local union generally represents workers in a specific occupation from various workplaces or workers from a single workplace. However, if there is already an industry union representing workers in a particular occupation, then a local union cannot represent them. Therefore, option D is incorrect as local unions cannot represent workers in a single occupation already represented by an industry union.

Question 4

Job control unionism, which has dominated U.S. unions since WWII, is characterized by all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Job control unionism is characterized by detailed and legalistic union contracts, narrowly defined jobs, and low levels of employee input. However, it does not involve informal grievance procedures. In fact, grievances are typically dealt with through formal processes outlined in the union contract.

Question 5

European social partnership arrangements are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

European social partnership arrangements involve national union leadership to achieve broad social and economic goals through negotiations with employers and governments. Local union member activism may still play a role, but the focus is on national level coordination and cooperation.

Question 6

The United Auto Workers represents all workers at a large auto parts manufacturing company. Included in the bargaining unit are welders, electricians, factory line workers, and workers who load and unload stock. This model of unionism is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The model of unionism described in the scenario is Industrial Unionism, which is the unionization of all workers in a particular industry, regardless of their specific occupation or job function. This contrasts with Craft Unionism, where workers are grouped by their specific skill or craft. Business Unionism focuses on advancing the economic interests of workers, while Job Control Unionism aims to give workers control over their work tasks and responsibilities.

Question 7

The traditional model of job control unionism which dominated the U.S. workplace in the 20^th century has been criticized for encouraging or creating all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

The traditional model of job control unionism has been criticized for various reasons, but it generally aimed to establish clear rules and procedures for treatment in the workplace, thereby reducing subjective and arbitrary treatment.

Question 8

A business unionism approach to collective bargaining typically has a scope of representation focused on:

Accepted Answer

A business unionism approach to collective bargaining typically focuses on bargaining for better conditions and wages within the workplace, rather than seeking broader societal or government change. Management authority is not the focus of representation, but rather the target of negotiations.

Question 9

A model of unionism which adopts a scope of representation confined to the workplace but which encourages active participation by union members is:

Accepted Answer

Employee empowerment unionism focuses on active participation by union members, but its scope of representation is limited to the workplace. This model emphasizes union member involvement in decision-making at the workplace level and encourages workers to take control of their own work environment. It emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between workers and management and emphasizes the need for cooperation to achieve common goals.

Question 10

A type of unionism that is well-suited to individuals that identify more with their occupation than they do with a particular company or industry is:

Accepted Answer

Craft unionism is the type of unionism that focuses on workers in a specific occupation or craft, regardless of the industry they work in. This approach is well-suited for individuals who identify more with their occupation than with a particular company or industry.

Question 11

Under a model of social unionism, the labor movement's influence comes from:

Accepted Answer

Under a model of social unionism, the labor movement's influence comes from its social and political power, rather than just its bargaining power or ability to control workplace decisions. This means that unions have a broader societal role and seek to promote not just the interests of their members, but also those of the wider community, such as fighting for better public services and higher minimum wages. This approach emphasizes collaboration and partnership with other progressive groups and social movements. While government mandates can support union rights, it is not the primary source of influence under social unionism.

Question 12

Which state is most likely to have a low union density rate?

Accepted Answer

Georgia is known for its strong right-to-work laws, which limit the power of unions and make it difficult for them to operate effectively. As a result, Georgia is likely to have a low union density rate compared to other states in the US.

Question 13

A form of unionism in which there are clearly defined roles where management makes all business decisions while the union negotiates strict work rules to determine wages and job rights through the collective bargaining agreement is called:

Accepted Answer

The given description is characteristic of job control unionism. It involves unions negotiating specific work rules and rights for employees, while leaving management to make all business decisions. This approach focuses on job security and stability for workers rather than on broader social or political goals (as in social unionism). Business unionism is another approach which prioritizes economic gains for employees and often involves unions working closely with management to increase salaries and benefits. Employee empowerment unionism, on the other hand, emphasizes giving workers more influence and control over their own labor and decision-making processes.

Question 14

Which of the following groups typically has the highest union density rate?

Accepted Answer

African American workers typically have the highest union density rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This can be attributed to historical efforts by labor unions to fight for civil rights and workplace protections for African American workers. Additionally, African American workers are more likely to work in industries with high unionization rates, such as transportation and public sector jobs.

Question 15

The ________________________ model of representation views unions as institutions of worker participation, empowerment, and mobilization.

Accepted Answer

The organizing model of representation views unions as institutions of worker participation, empowerment, and mobilization, with a focus on building collective power and worker solidarity. This model emphasizes active engagement and participation by workers in shaping their own work conditions, as opposed to a more passive or service-oriented approach focused on meeting individual needs.

Question 16

Union density rates are highest for:

Accepted Answer

Teaching is one of the most heavily unionized professions, with a union density rate of about 33%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Teachers unions are common because they can negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, as well as advocate for education policies.

D) Service workers. 
 Service workers are among the least unionized occupations, with a union density rate of about 7%, according to the BLS. However, in recent years, there have been significant efforts to organize workers in a variety of service industries, such as fast food, hospitality, and home care. This is because many service workers face low pay, poor working conditions, and job insecurity, and unions can help them raise their voices and advocate for change.

Question 17

Some states have passed legislation granting university professors the right to unionize. At some schools, rather than negotiating a rigid wage schedule that applies to all professors, the union has negotiated a set of rules to govern individual wage negotiations between each professor and the university administration. This approach is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The approach described is employee empowerment unionism, as it allows for individual negotiations and gives employees more control over their wages rather than relying on a rigid wage schedule.

Question 18

The servicing model of representation sees the relationship between workers and their union as:

Accepted Answer

The servicing model of representation is characterized by a narrow economic exchange, where the union provides services to its members in return for dues, leading to weak ties between leaders and members.

Question 19

Which of the following represents a model of unionism where the scope of representation includes the social arena but there is only passive participation by union members?

Accepted Answer

European social partnerships involve the union representing workers not only in the workplace but also in the wider social arena, such as government policies and social welfare issues. However, the participation of union members is often passive as the focus is on high-level negotiations between unions and employers or government officials.

Question 20

Which of the following is not consistent with a model employee empowerment unionism?

Accepted Answer

Model employee empowerment unionism involves empowering employees through the union to have more say in their workplace decisions and resolving their own workplace issues. However, giving stronger authority to union representatives goes against this idea as it centralizes power with the union leadership rather than empowering the workers themselves.

Quiz 5: Labor and Management: Strategies, Structures, and Constraints