Question 1

Describe the outputs of a systems approach to labour relations.

Accepted Answer

A systems approach to labour relations focuses on understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of various factors that influence the relationship between employers and employees. This approach considers the broader context in which labour relations operate, including economic, social, political, and legal factors.

The outputs of a systems approach to labour relations include:

1. Improved communication and collaboration: By considering the various components of the labour relations system, organizations can foster better communication and collaboration between management and employees. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

2. Conflict resolution: A systems approach to labour relations can help identify the root causes of conflicts and develop strategies for resolving them. This may involve implementing fair and transparent grievance procedures, mediation, or negotiation techniques.

3. Enhanced productivity and efficiency: By understanding the impact of labour relations on organizational performance, a systems approach can help identify ways to improve productivity and efficiency. This may involve addressing issues such as employee motivation, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.

4. Compliance with laws and regulations: A systems approach to labour relations ensures that organizations are aware of and comply with relevant labour laws and regulations. This can help prevent legal disputes and maintain a positive relationship with regulatory authorities.

5. Employee satisfaction and well-being: By considering the holistic impact of labour relations on employees, a systems approach can help create a work environment that promotes employee satisfaction, well-being, and overall job satisfaction.

Overall, a systems approach to labour relations aims to create a more harmonious and productive relationship between employers and employees, leading to a more sustainable and successful organization.

Question 2

After an employer has been unionized an employee in the bargaining unit cannot make an agreement with the employer providing for additional vacation time.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Some human resource managers use the terms industrial relations and labour relations interchangeably.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 4

The process component in a systems approach to labour relations includes which of the following:

Accepted Answer

A)   unilateral action by management
B)   unilateral action by unions
C)   the environment
D)   a and b
E)   a and c

Question 5

The Public Service Staff Relations Act had the effect of doubling the total union membership.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

A systems approach to labour relations refers to the industrial relationship, parties, processes, and outputs.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Labour relations is defined as the study of:

Accepted Answer

A)   employment in union and non-union organizations
B)   all aspects of the union-management relationship
C)   the negotiation and administration of collective agreements
D)   methods to improve union-management relations
E)   compensation in unionized workplaces

Question 8

Which of the following is correct regarding the issue of employer and union collaboration:

Accepted Answer

A)   the legal environment may impact collaboration
B)   the labour relations system is viewed as being collaborative
C)   collaboration is universally accepted as being good for both parties
D)   collaboration is part of the political economy approach to labour relations
E)   collaboration is an essential component in a systems approach to labour relations

Question 9

Craft unions were independent local unions made up of various skilled employees

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Unionization affects the profitability but not the productivity of employers.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

The actors in Dunlop's system are:

Accepted Answer

A)   workers and their agents
B)   free trade agreements
C)   society
D)   non-union employees
E)   non-government agencies

Question 12

The unionization of employees is the least likely to affect which of the following:

Accepted Answer

A)   job satisfaction of employees
B)   costs of operations for the employer
C)   job security for employees
D)   the reasonable notice employees are entitled to
E)   investment decisions made by the employer

Question 13

The legal environment hinders collaboration between employers and unions because it provides that unions cannot agree to give up the right to strike.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Labour relations is defined as the study of all aspects of the union-management relationship.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Discuss the following statement: Labour relations are important for employers, employees, and society.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the following statement: Labour relations are...

Question 16

Describe the environmental factors that could affect labour relations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the environmental factors that could affect...

Question 17

The values and beliefs of the Canadian public are part of:

Accepted Answer

A)   the legal environment
B)   social environment
C)   political environment
D)   technological environment
E)   economic environment

Question 18

Company A is reducing production because of a decrease in demand for its product. When the company reduces the size of its unionized workforce, which of the following is correct:

Accepted Answer

A)   the union must be given reasonable notice
B)   employees must be given reasonable notice
C)   employees must be given the notice provided for in the collective agreement
D)   younger employees must be laid off first
E)   employees cannot be terminated unless the union consents

Question 19

"Wrongful dismissal" means that an employer must have a valid reason to terminate an employee.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

It is possible for collective agreements to provide less notice of termination to employees than the common law reasonable notice period.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 1: Introduction to Labour Relations

Describe the outputs of a systems approach to labour relations.

After an employer has been unionized an employee in the bargaining unit cannot make an agreement with the employer providing for additional vacation time.

Some human resource managers use the terms industrial relations and labour relations interchangeably.

The process component in a systems approach to labour relations includes which of the following:

The Public Service Staff Relations Act had the effect of doubling the total union membership.

A systems approach to labour relations refers to the industrial relationship, parties, processes, and outputs.

Labour relations is defined as the study of:

Which of the following is correct regarding the issue of employer and union collaboration:

Craft unions were independent local unions made up of various skilled employees

Unionization affects the profitability but not the productivity of employers.

The actors in Dunlop's system are:

The unionization of employees is the least likely to affect which of the following:

The legal environment hinders collaboration between employers and unions because it provides that unions cannot agree to give up the right to strike.

Labour relations is defined as the study of all aspects of the union-management relationship.

Discuss the following statement: Labour relations are important for employers, employees, and society.

Describe the environmental factors that could affect labour relations.

The values and beliefs of the Canadian public are part of:

Company A is reducing production because of a decrease in demand for its product. When the company reduces the size of its unionized workforce, which of the following is correct:

"Wrongful dismissal" means that an employer must have a valid reason to terminate an employee.

It is possible for collective agreements to provide less notice of termination to employees than the common law reasonable notice period.