IDRL 320 Unit 4 Exam Questions and
Answers8
What is the importance of PC 1003, and what were its key provisions - ANSWERS-- Right to join
a union without fear of reprisal
- Right to collective bargaining which obligated employer to bargain with certified union in good
faith
- Right to strike/lockout
What political and economic developments led to the creation of PC 1003? - ANSWERS-Shift in
political views in public and emergence of a more labour friendly party. Increase in union
membership.
Political pressure to adopt something similar to the Wagner Act.
Increase in strike activity.
Labour shortages while men went to war provided workers with more bargaining power.
Rapid industrialization from war time growth
What are the main features of the Wagner model, and what trade-offs did it enact for unions? -
ANSWERS-Sought to bring stability in the employment relationship. Gave unions the right to
bargaining on behalf of employees, power to use strike action, and ensured recognition from
employers.
Certification process: Majoritarianism + exclusivity.
, Unfair labour practices: Employers required to recognize union, bargain in good faith, could not
refuse to hire or fire union supporter
Codified the rights of workers to strike
What are some of the reasons workers choose to join unions? - ANSWERS-Instrumentality
Economic
Socio-economic
Social
Work environment
Personal Characteristics (Older, with dependents or firm specific skills more likely to stay with
employer long term + they would most likely benefit from union job security + seniority.)
What effect do unions have on business? - ANSWERS-Increase productivity = increasing
motivation increases productivity which increases profit
Cost = reduces turnover costs
Innovation = Unions may drive a wedge/distance between actors which may make both parties
view their goals as separate and innovation may not benefit the employer. + Increased job
security means workers are more comfortable taking risks and being innovative. + Unions
restrict employers ability to act unilaterally in regards to changes about job design, speed and
process. Employers cannot reduce wages to stay competitive so they must find other innovative
ways.
Shock effect: Employers will react to unionization by revamping HR policies to increase
productivity + efficiencies to compensate for potential labour cost increases
Answers8
What is the importance of PC 1003, and what were its key provisions - ANSWERS-- Right to join
a union without fear of reprisal
- Right to collective bargaining which obligated employer to bargain with certified union in good
faith
- Right to strike/lockout
What political and economic developments led to the creation of PC 1003? - ANSWERS-Shift in
political views in public and emergence of a more labour friendly party. Increase in union
membership.
Political pressure to adopt something similar to the Wagner Act.
Increase in strike activity.
Labour shortages while men went to war provided workers with more bargaining power.
Rapid industrialization from war time growth
What are the main features of the Wagner model, and what trade-offs did it enact for unions? -
ANSWERS-Sought to bring stability in the employment relationship. Gave unions the right to
bargaining on behalf of employees, power to use strike action, and ensured recognition from
employers.
Certification process: Majoritarianism + exclusivity.
, Unfair labour practices: Employers required to recognize union, bargain in good faith, could not
refuse to hire or fire union supporter
Codified the rights of workers to strike
What are some of the reasons workers choose to join unions? - ANSWERS-Instrumentality
Economic
Socio-economic
Social
Work environment
Personal Characteristics (Older, with dependents or firm specific skills more likely to stay with
employer long term + they would most likely benefit from union job security + seniority.)
What effect do unions have on business? - ANSWERS-Increase productivity = increasing
motivation increases productivity which increases profit
Cost = reduces turnover costs
Innovation = Unions may drive a wedge/distance between actors which may make both parties
view their goals as separate and innovation may not benefit the employer. + Increased job
security means workers are more comfortable taking risks and being innovative. + Unions
restrict employers ability to act unilaterally in regards to changes about job design, speed and
process. Employers cannot reduce wages to stay competitive so they must find other innovative
ways.
Shock effect: Employers will react to unionization by revamping HR policies to increase
productivity + efficiencies to compensate for potential labour cost increases