Question 1

What was Samuel Gompers core belief regarding the goals of the union?

Accepted Answer

Samuel Gompers believed that the ability to strike was critical for unions to have leverage in negotiations with employers. He argued that without this tool, workers would have no way to make their demands heard and their bargaining power would be severely limited. Gompers also believed in the principle of "pure and simple" unionism, which meant that unions should focus on improving the wages, hours, and working conditions of their members rather than engaging in broader political or social reforms.

Question 2

One of the biggest differences between unions of the 1950s and unions of today is

Accepted Answer

The us-versus-them mentality that was more prominent in the 1950s has diminished, indicating a shift towards more collaborative approaches between unions and employers.

Question 3

Unions derive their negotiating power from two sources: laws that guarantee and regulate negotiations and

Accepted Answer

Unions derive their negotiating power from laws that guarantee and regulate negotiations, but the number of union members also plays a significant role. The more members a union has, the greater its bargaining power. This is because the union can threaten to strike, which would disrupt the employer's operations and potentially lead to financial losses.

Question 4

Who was the first president of the American Federation of Labor?

Accepted Answer

Samuel Gompers was the first president of the American Federation of Labor, founded in 1886. He served as president until his death in 1924 and played a significant role in shaping American labor policies and advocating for workers' rights.

Question 5

Which employee group instituted the first known strike in the United States? They stopped working because of demands for higher wages.

Accepted Answer

Printers, specifically journeymen printers in New York City, instituted the first known strike in the United States in 1778. They demanded higher wages and collectively refused to work until their demands were met.

Question 6

What is the term given to National Basketball Association players ceasing to play when they were unable to negotiate a suitable contract,and continuing to sit out rather than play until an agreement could be reached?

Accepted Answer

A strike generally refers to when workers refuse to work as a form of protest or negotiation tactic in order to achieve certain demands, which is the case with NBA players who sit out due to contract disputes. Embargo refers to a government-imposed trade restriction, boycott is a form of protest where people refuse to buy or use a certain product or service, collective bargaining refers to negotiations between employers and employees, and walkout generally refers to leaving work or a situation abruptly as a form of protest or expression of disagreement.

Question 7

The AFL-CIO may represent all of the following occupations except

Accepted Answer

The AFL-CIO represents workers in a variety of industries and occupations, including those listed in choices A, B, C, and E. However, administrators, board members, and managers are typically considered to be management rather than labor, and therefore would generally not be represented by a union like the AFL-CIO.

Question 8

What was the goal of the Industrial Workers of the World?

Accepted Answer

The goal of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was to overthrow capitalism and establish a system of worker control over the means of production. This was accomplished through direct action, such as strikes and boycotts, rather than through traditional union bargaining tactics. The IWW believed in solidarity among all workers, regardless of race, gender, or skill level. They were known for their radicalism and willingness to challenge the status quo.

Question 9

A group of carpenters who are members of the AFL-CIO join with their company's management for the purpose of redesigning the job duties of a certain class of carpenter.This collaboration is best described as a

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of carpenters who are members...

Question 10

Which of the following would best describe the major philosophical difference between the Knights of Labor and the AFL?

Accepted Answer

The major philosophical difference between the Knights of Labor and the AFL was their perspective on striking. While the AFL believed that striking was an effective way for workers to advance their rights and interests, the Knights of Labor sought to work within the existing system rather than resorting to labor disruptions.

Question 11

The truth about unions today is that they _________

Accepted Answer

The answer of The truth about unions today is that...

Question 12

Organizations of both skilled and unskilled workers in the same industry have formed _________

Accepted Answer

Industrial unions bring together both skilled and unskilled workers in the same industry, while craft unions only represent workers with specific, specialized skills. Closed shops refer to workplaces where union membership is a requirement for employment, which is a separate issue from the formation of unions themselves. Union crafts and arbitrators are not commonly used terms in the context of labor organization.

Question 13

All of the following have been given as possible reasons for a gradual decline in union membership except that _______

Accepted Answer

Federal laws actually protect and guarantee the rights of workers to form and join unions. Therefore, federal laws do not make union membership difficult.

Question 14

What was the basis for the disputes between the AFL when they began to argue with the CIO in the mid-1900s?

Accepted Answer

The basis for the disputes between the AFL and the CIO was which union had the right to represent particular groups of employees. The AFL represented skilled workers while the CIO represented both skilled and unskilled workers. There was a dispute over which union had the right to represent workers in particular industries, leading to conflicts and ultimately a split between the two unions.

Question 15

What has been the most significant event in labor history since World War II?

Accepted Answer

The merger of the AFL (American Federation of Labor) and CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) in 1955 was a significant event in labor history, as it united two major labor organizations, strengthening the labor movement in the United States.

Question 16

What was the major accomplishment of the Industrial Workers of the World union?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What was the major accomplishment of the...

Question 17

The overriding theme in strategic union-management partnerships is that

Accepted Answer

The overriding theme in strategic union-management partnerships is cooperation and working together towards common goals. Joint decision making is also emphasized as both sides work towards mutual benefit.

Question 18

If you were an over-the-road truck driver who wants to learn how to help other drivers at your company organize a union.You would most likely contact the

Accepted Answer

The Teamsters Union represents a large number of truck drivers, making it the most relevant organization for an over-the-road truck driver to contact when interested in organizing a union.

Question 19

If the AFL-CIO were to set up a long-range strategic partnership with a company,which of the following could be included in the agreement?

Accepted Answer

The AFL-CIO is a labor union organization that aims to protect the rights and welfare of workers. In setting up a strategic partnership with a company, it would be unlikely for the AFL-CIO to agree to options that would lessen the involvement, accountability, and responsibility of workers. Instead, the partnership would likely seek to increase worker participation in decision making, ensuring that their interests are taken into account. This would lead to better working conditions and more favorable outcomes for the workers. Therefore, choice E is the best option.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the goals of The Knights of Labor?

Accepted Answer

The Knights of Labor were a union organization that stood for both social and moral reforms among employees. They wanted to improve the lives of the working class by advocating for an eight-hour workday, better wages, and improved working conditions. They also believed in the elimination of child labor and the recognition of the dignity of all workers, regardless of industry or occupation. The Knights of Labor did not seek to eliminate unions or use the strike weapon, unlike other labor organizations of the time. They did not advocate for the overthrow of capitalism, but rather the improvement of the conditions of the working class.

Quiz 18: Enhancing Union-Management Relations