Question 1

To avoid potentially critical situations, different arbitration methods are used to resolve collective-bargaining deadlocks in the public sector. Which of the following is an arbitration method?

Accepted Answer

Compulsory binding arbitration is a form of arbitration where both parties agree to a third party making a final and binding decision on the collective bargaining agreement. This is often used in the public sector when traditional bargaining methods fail and there is a risk of a strike or other critical situation. Mediation (A) is a form of negotiation where a third party facilitates discussions between both parties but does not make a final decision. Mandatory grievance resolution (B) is a process where disputes between an employee and their employer are resolved through a pre-established grievance procedure. Rights arbitration (C) is a process where a third party resolves disputes over the interpretation or application of a collective bargaining agreement.

Question 2

What does a bargaining unit consist of?

Accepted Answer

A bargaining unit consists of all employees who are covered by the collective agreement negotiated by the union, regardless of job title or level of management.

Question 3

What is the employer required to do once a bargaining unit becomes certified?

Accepted Answer

Once a bargaining unit becomes certified, the employer is required to begin negotiations leading toward a collective agreement. This is the process of sitting down with the union and bargaining for the terms and conditions of employment that will be included in the collective agreement. The employer may also be required to recognize the bargaining unit, deduct union dues from the employees' pay cheques, and notify employees of the bargaining relationship, but these actions do not necessarily need to occur immediately after certification.

Question 4

Which unionization process is relatively rare except in the construction industry?

Accepted Answer

The unionization process of voluntary recognition is relatively rare except in the construction industry. In this process, the employer agrees to recognize the union as the bargaining agent for the employees without the requirement for a formal certification process or representation vote.

Question 5

In which situation are prehearing votes held?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which situation are prehearing votes held?
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Question 6

Mitchell is part of his local union, which is currently in talks concerning wage increases. His supervisor has just scheduled a one-on-one meeting with him to review his earnings. How can the supervisor's behaviour be described?

Accepted Answer

The supervisor's behavior can be described as bad-faith bargaining if the meeting is intended to undermine the union's collective negotiation process by addressing wage issues individually rather than through the union.

Question 7

A supervisor has suspended an employee covered by a typical collective agreement. In a grievance hearing, what will the supervisor be called upon to demonstrate in support of the suspension?

Accepted Answer

The supervisor will be required to demonstrate that there was just cause for suspending the employee, meaning that the suspension was for a valid reason related to the employee's performance or behavior. This is a standard requirement in a typical collective agreement grievance process. While reasonable review, equity and fairness of treatment, and documented evidence may be important factors in the process, the primary focus will be on demonstrating just cause.

Question 8

Why do unionized employees pay union dues?

Accepted Answer

Union dues are primarily used to finance the operation of the local union, including activities such as collective bargaining, legal representation, and other services provided to the members.

Question 9

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation are examples of which type of union?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation are examples of industrial unions, which represent workers across multiple industries or occupations.

Question 10

What is one of the responsibilities of a business agent?

Accepted Answer

A business agent is responsible for resolving grievances that cannot be settled by the union stewards.

Question 11

What is the minimum amount of time for the terms of a collective agreement?

Accepted Answer

The minimum term for a collective agreement is typically one year, as it allows for stability and sufficient time to implement and assess the terms agreed upon.

Question 12

Historically, unions have been politically active. Which party have unions shown the most support for?

Accepted Answer

Unions in Canada have traditionally shown the most support for the New Democratic Party (NDP). The NDP has historically advocated for workers' rights and has been seen as more supportive of unions and their demands compared to other political parties.

Question 13

Management generally claims exclusive rights to decisions regarding issues relating to subcontracting, productivity standards, and job content. What is management's claim properly called?

Accepted Answer

Management rights refer to the exclusive authority that management has over certain decisions and actions within a company. This can include decisions regarding subcontracting, productivity standards, and job content, as specified in the question.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of bargaining in good faith for unions?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to previous agreements shows that the union is negotiating in good faith and is willing to work within the framework of previous agreements. Postponing bargaining sessions and changing bargaining topics may not necessarily show good faith, while refusing to meet with employer representatives clearly violates the principle of bargaining in good faith.

Question 15

Which of the following is considered an essential public service?

Accepted Answer

Public transit is considered an essential public service as it provides critical transportation for individuals to access work, healthcare, and other necessary services.

Question 16

What percentage of employees in the public sector are unionized?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What percentage of employees in the public...

Question 17

What type of association are the Federation of Quebec Nurses and the Alberta Teachers' Association?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of association are the Federation...

Question 18

What strike status do public-sector employees have?

Accepted Answer

Public-sector employees may have the right to strike, but if the services they provide are considered essential, they cannot do so as it would have a significant impact on the public. This is why many countries have laws in place that restrict the ability of public-sector employees to strike.

Question 19

What type of unions are the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers classified as?

Accepted Answer

Both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers are classified as craft unions because they represent skilled workers in specific trades.

Question 20

During the union certification process, which employer activity is prohibited, according to Canadian labour relations legislation?

Accepted Answer

Increasing wages unilaterally during the union certification process is prohibited as it can be seen as an attempt to influence employees' decisions regarding unionization.

Quiz 10: Understanding Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining