Question 1

Which of the following most closely represents union density in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Union density in Canada, as of my last update, is closer to 30 percent. This reflects the proportion of the workforce that is unionized, indicating a significant but not majority union presence in the labor market.

Question 2

A union is a formal association of workers that promotes the interests of its members. Through which of the following ways does the union promote member interests?

Accepted Answer

Collective action is a way for unions to promote member interests by bringing workers together to negotiate with management over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Question 3

Unions in Canada have typically focused on different matters than some global unions. Which of the following is the main Canadian focus?

Accepted Answer

In Canada, unions have typically focused on economic issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions, rather than broader social or political issues. While achieving worker solidarity, maintaining due process for all workers, and increasing industrial democracy are all important goals for unions, they are not the primary focus in Canada's labor movement.

Question 4

What is the name of the central labour body in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the central labour body in Canada, representing national and international unions, as well as provincial and territorial federations of labour.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT an example of an alternative employee representation model?

Accepted Answer

Union representation on an employer's board of directors is not an example of an alternative employee representation model because it is not a substitute for a union.

Question 6

Several reasons account for the trend in Canada for unions to merge with one another. Which of the following is one of these reasons?

Accepted Answer

Merging unions can lead to improved delivery of services as it allows for pooling of resources, expertise, and bargaining power, which can better meet members' needs.

Question 7

Which of the following titles applies to the employee of a unionized company who becomes the elected first-line representative of unionized workers?

Accepted Answer

A union steward is an elected representative of unionized workers who works at the company and handles grievances, advocates for workers' rights, and communicates with management on behalf of the union. Union organizers work to recruit new members into the union, business agents work for the union and negotiate contracts on behalf of unionized workers, and member representatives could refer to a variety of positions within a union or company that involve representing individual workers.

Question 8

Union representatives sometimes serve on the company's board of directors. Which of the following is the name of that practice?

Accepted Answer

Co-determination is the practice where workers or their representatives have a role in the management of a company, often including seats on the board of directors.

Question 9

Monica has a full-time job operating the union office and helping union members. She takes part in negotiating contracts and promotes unionization in non-union workplaces. Which of the following union roles is Monica fulfilling?

Accepted Answer

Monica is fulfilling the role of a business agent, who is responsible for representing the union in various activities, including negotiating contracts and promoting unionization in non-union workplaces. The chief negotiator generally leads negotiations with the employer, the president is the elected leader of the union, and the steward is responsible for representing union members in meetings with management and enforcing the contract on the job.

Question 10

Which of the following structures refers to a group of autonomous national and international unions?

Accepted Answer

A federation refers to a group of autonomous national and international unions that come together for a common purpose. Councils, conferences, and congresses can also refer to gatherings or meetings of representatives but do not necessarily imply autonomy.

Question 11

Which of the following factors primarily determines whether employees will unionize?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following factors primarily determines...

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT an example of a factor leading to unionization?

Accepted Answer

While political convictions may influence an individual's decision to join a union, it is not a direct factor leading to unionization in the workplace. The other options listed (arbitrary management decision making, non-competitive pay, and poor working conditions) are all commonly cited reasons for employees to seek union representation.

Question 13

Which of the following statements accurately characterizes approaches to bargaining?

Accepted Answer

Option D correctly characterizes the approach to bargaining in some countries where national unions bargain with the government or with employer groups. Option A is incorrect as collective bargaining agreements are legally binding contracts in Canada. Option B could be debated as a matter of opinion, but it is not an accurate characterization of approaches to bargaining. Option C is not accurate as tripartite bargaining, involving labor, management, and government, is not a widespread trend in the United States.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains what union density is?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following best explains what...

Question 15

Which of the following phrases explains the relationship between national and international unions and federations?

Accepted Answer

National unions are typically not governed by a federation but are affiliated with one, meaning they maintain their independence while being part of a larger collective organization.

Question 16

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation is an association for teachers who all do the same sort of work and often draw upon specialized skills and training. Which of these structures does the federation have?

Accepted Answer

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation is an example of a craft union because it is an association of teachers who share specialized skills and training, typical of craft unions which organize members of a particular trade or profession.

Question 17

In the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, all members work in the postal service. Which of the following is the type of union that represents the postal workers?

Accepted Answer

The industrial union represents workers across different occupations and industries, which fits with the postal workers who may have different job titles within the postal service. The other choices (labourers', craft, and company) are more specific and do not apply to all workers in the postal service.

Question 18

Which of the following activities is NOT a function of a local union?

Accepted Answer

Local unions primarily focus on organizing, educating members, and negotiating collective agreements. Attending federation meetings is typically a function of higher-level union bodies rather than local unions.

Question 19

When it comes to labour relations, which of these responsibilities belongs to the HR unit?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When it comes to labour relations, which...

Question 20

Which of the following responsibilities related to labour relations do managers have?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following responsibilities related to...

Quiz 15: Unionmanagement Relations