January/February 2026 | Applied Labour Relations Management
Competencies (UNISA)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of collective bargaining?
A) To establish individual contracts
B) To promote competition among workers
C) To negotiate employment terms and conditions
D) To eliminate trade unions
Correct Option: C) To negotiate employment terms and conditions
Rationale: Collective bargaining is primarily aimed at negotiating the terms of
employment, including wages, working conditions, and benefits on behalf of a group of
employees.
Question 2:
Which legislation governs trade unions in South Africa?
A) The Labour Relations Act
B) The Basic Conditions of Employment Act
C) The Employment Equity Act
D) The Skills Development Act
Correct Option: A) The Labour Relations Act
Rationale: The Labour Relations Act is the key piece of legislation that regulates the
registration, conduct, and governance of trade unions in South Africa.
Question 3:
What is an unfair dismissal?
A) Termination based on an employee's performance
B) Dismissal without following procedural fairness
C) Dismissal that occurs during a probation period
D) Termination due to business restructuring
Correct Option: B) Dismissal without following procedural fairness
Rationale: An unfair dismissal refers to situations where an employee is terminated
without proper reason or due process, violating their rights under employment law.
Question 4:
Which of the following is NOT a function of a trade union?
, A) Representing members in disputes
B) Negotiating collective agreements
C) Enforcing workplace discipline
D) Providing legal assistance to members
Correct Option: C) Enforcing workplace discipline
Rationale: While trade unions advocate for workers' rights and negotiate terms,
enforcing workplace discipline is typically the responsibility of management, not the
union.
Question 5:
What is the role of a shop steward?
A) A union representative at the workplace
B) A legal advisor for HR
C) A mediator between employers and employees
D) A trainer for new employees
Correct Option: A) A union representative at the workplace
Rationale: A shop steward serves as a representative of the union at the workplace,
advocating for members' rights and addressing grievances.
Question 6:
What is the main focus of grievance procedures in a workplace?
A) To discipline employees
B) To address workplace conflicts
C) To promote management decisions
D) To increase productivity
Correct Option: B) To address workplace conflicts
Rationale: Grievance procedures are designed to provide a systematic way to address
and resolve conflicts between employees and management.
Question 7:
Which of the following is a primary duty of the Labour Relations Commission?
A) To regulate business operations
B) To mediate disputes between workers and employers
C) To oversee financial transactions of unions
D) To provide training for employees
Correct Option: B) To mediate disputes between workers and employers