UPDATE 2026
contract administration - Answers Interpreting, applying, and resolving conflicts
regarding collective bargaining agreements are called?
It is critical process in U.S. labor relations and involves rights dispute
Rights disputes - Answers Disagreements over whether someone's rights as specified
in the contract have been violated
They are the grievances - conflicts over the administration (the application and
interpretation) of the contract
employment-at-will doctrine - Answers employers are free to establish whatever
terms and conditions for employment to discharge workers at any time
Unions have long sought to protect workers by restricting this absolute authority
The result is detailed, legally enforceable union contracts enforced by grievance
arbitration
What was introduced into workplace in the 1900s? - Answers introducing civil rights
into industry requiring that management be conducted by rule rather than by arbitrary
decision
union contracts - Answers Legally enforceable documents that specify the laws of the
workplace, often in great detail
Specify the laws of the workplace, often in great detail
Most contracts have a duration of three years.
Some contracts include a reopener clause by which the parties can reopen the contract
during its life to negotiate wage or benefit adjustments
Most contracts are negotiated upon expiration
, What are some employee obligations in terms of rights? - Answers Obey work rules,
follow supervisors orders, abide by contract, and accept arbitrators' awards
What are some employee obligations in terms of unions? - Answers Abide by the
contract including not string over grievances, accepting arbitrators' awards.
Explain grievance procedures? - Answers Employees, the union, and management
meet to resolve disputes over the application and enforcement of the contract.
Typically a multistep procedure in which unresolved grievances are appealed to
higher levels in the organization. The final step is frequently binding rights
arbitration.
What are some rights unions have? - Answers Exclusive bargaining agent, union
leaders have access to workplace, shop stewards, union security and dues checkoff
clauses.
shop steward - Answers Appointed or elected union officer who represents fellow
workers in discussions with management. He or she also tries to identify and resolve
work-related problems in their early stages.
What are the four kinds of employee rights? - Answers Just Cause discipline and
discharge, Seniority rights, compensation, and grievance procedures.
Employees can be disciplined and discharged only for? - Answers Cause or just cause
Employees have the right to insist that there be valid, job-related reasons for
discipline or dismissal
What is arbitrary? - Answers based on random choice or personal whim, rather than
any reason or system
What is criterion? - Answers a principle or standard by which something may be
judged or decided.
Seniority as a sole factor? - Answers 48 hour notice of layoff, employee with the
least seniority will be laid off first
Seniority as a Determining factor? - Answers Employees with the least amount of
seniority will be cutback or laid off
Seniority as a Secondary factor? - Answers Reduction of staff and renewals will be
given to the staff member with the greater full-time continuos length of service in the
school district
How will being in a union help? - Answers Unionized workers are significantly more
likely than nonunion employees to receive benefits