Question 1

The greatest period for growth for Canadian union membership occurred during what period?

Accepted Answer

The greatest period of growth for Canadian union membership occurred during the mid-1960s, a time marked by significant social and economic changes that fostered a more favorable environment for union expansion.

Question 2

The relative low level of unionization in what sector suggests non-traditional work is still underrepresented by unions?

Accepted Answer

The high-tech sector has a relatively low level of unionization, suggesting that non-traditional work in this sector is still underrepresented by unions. This is likely due to many high-tech companies operating in a globalized and decentralized manner, making unionization more challenging.

Question 3

In the last 30 years, the number of female workers belonging to Canadian unions has risen to a point where both the percentage and density of female union members is comparable to that of male union members. Which of the following is one of the factors causing this increase?

Accepted Answer

The increase in the number of female workers belonging to Canadian unions is likely due to an increase in the percentage of women in the overall workforce. As more women enter the workforce, it is natural that more of them would become union members. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as changes in union constitutions or the unionization of the private sector, may also have played a role.

Question 4

How is globalization affecting the Canadian union movement?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has led to outsourcing and competition from cheaper foreign labor, which can result in job losses for union members. Additionally, with increased global trade and investment, there may be a push for reduced protection for employees in order to attract foreign companies. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of unions in protecting their members in a globalized economy.

Question 5

Organizations are exploring new forms of structure that involve decreasing levels of hierarchy. How are these changes problematic for unions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Organizations are exploring new forms of structure...

Question 6

Which of the following is a concern regarding racial and ethnic inclusiveness in unions?

Accepted Answer

Immigrants may come from countries where unions are either nonexistent or are thought to be corrupt or challenging the management's right to manage. Thus, they may not see the value in joining a union, or they may actively oppose it, making it challenging for unions to be inclusive of all races and ethnicities.

Question 7

What is the term given to a situation where an employee works partially or fully at home and communicates with the workplace through computers and telephones?

Accepted Answer

The term for this situation is telecommuting. Remote work access refers to having access to work materials and systems remotely, but doesn't necessarily imply working from home. Self employment refers to being one's own boss and running one's own business. Job sharing refers to two or more employees sharing the responsibilities of a single job.

Question 8

Young workers tend not to work in highly unionized industries. Which of the following is not a reason for this under representation?

Accepted Answer

Young workers tend to be less informed about unions, they may not see the relevance of unions in their career paths, and popular culture may portray unions negatively. However, the question of legality is not typically a concern for young workers in regards to unions.

Question 9

How are unions getting information out to young people?

Accepted Answer

Websites and social media are the most effective ways for unions to reach young people, as this demographic is most likely to use technology and online platforms for information and communication. Telephone campaigns and word of mouth are less likely to reach younger people, and job fairs may not be solely focused on labor unions.

Question 10

Most unions now have policy statements on issues such as workplace equality, affirmative action, harassment, and violence. The existence of these statements at the ________ level, indicates their importance.

Accepted Answer

Policy statements on workplace equality, affirmative action, harassment, and violence are strategic issues that deal with the overall goals, values, and direction of the organization. Therefore, it is at the strategic level where these policy statements are most likely to be found.

Question 11

All but which of the following constitute changes to traditional scheduling?

Accepted Answer

Contract or temporary work is not a change to traditional scheduling, as it typically involves a set period of time with specific work hours and days rather than a departure from the standard nine-to-five, five days a week schedule. The other options listed (flex time, compressed work weeks, and job sharing) all involve adjustments to traditional scheduling.

Question 12

Female workers may be less likely to participate in union activities. What effect might this gender imbalance have?

Accepted Answer

The gender imbalance may result in women's issues being marginalized as special interest, as they are not adequately represented in union activities.

Question 13

Given the increase in non-traditional work arrangements, what is the priority in collective bargaining for most industrial based unions today?

Accepted Answer

With the increase in non-traditional work arrangements, the priority for most industrial based unions is to maintain the standards associated with full-time permanent employment and its benefits. As the number of workers in non-traditional work arrangements increase, it is important to ensure that workers are not being exploited and that their working conditions and benefits are protected. Therefore, the focus is on ensuring that the rights of full-time permanent employees are not diluted in any way, and that their position in the workplace is secure.

Question 14

Precarious employment refers to what type of work?

Accepted Answer

Precarious employment refers to work that is uncertain, insecure, or unpredictable. This can manifest in a variety of employment situations such as part-time work, temporary work, holding multiple jobs, and self-employment. These types of employment often lack job security, benefits, and stability.

Question 15

Which of the following is true Canadian unions were originally structured to operate in which of the following contexts?

Accepted Answer

Canadian unions were originally structured to operate within traditional hierarchical relationships between workers and management, focusing on negotiating labor conditions and rights within these frameworks.

Question 16

Part-time employment is more prevalent among what age group in the Canadian workforce?

Accepted Answer

According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, 51.4% of Canadian workers aged 15-24 were employed part-time, which is higher than any other age group. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it includes those aged 15-24. Option A (Canadians aged 16-24) and option C (Canadians aged 15-25) are also close, but option D is the most accurate as it covers a narrower age range. Option B (Canadians aged 40-49) is not correct as this age group has a lower prevalence of part-time employment than younger age groups.

Question 17

It is generally acknowledged that if unions wish to survive and provide effective representation for their membership, some of the characteristics of traditional unionism need to change. These characteristics are based on the assumption that workers are:

Accepted Answer

Traditional unionism often operated under the assumption that the workforce primarily consisted of white, heterosexual males who are full-time workers. This assumption is increasingly outdated given the diversifying workforce, necessitating changes in union approaches to be more inclusive and representative of all workers.

Question 18

Which of the following can be viewed as an employer strategy to avoid giving an employee the full range of benefits?

Accepted Answer

Continual renewal of temporary contracts allows the employer to avoid giving the employee the full range of benefits that come with permanent employment, such as health insurance, vacation time, and retirement plans. By renewing contracts repeatedly, the employer can also avoid investing in the long-term growth and development of the employee. Telecommuting, flexible work hours, and shift-work are not necessarily strategies to avoid giving benefits, but rather alternative ways of structuring the work environment or schedule.

Question 19

What is meant by the term "salting" in union organizing campaigns?

Accepted Answer

Salting refers to using workers already employed in the potential bargaining unit as the primary organizers. These workers, known as "salts," are either hired by the union or choose to become involved in organizing efforts. They work to build support among their coworkers and help the union gain a foothold in the workplace.

Question 20

What is the term given to legislation, which identifies historically disadvantaged groups and encourages organizations to develop plans to increase representation of these groups in the workforce?

Accepted Answer

Employment equity legislation identifies historically disadvantaged groups, such as women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires organizations to develop plans to increase their representation in the workforce. This is done to promote equal opportunities and eliminate systemic barriers that prevent these groups from equal participation in the labour market.

Quiz 13: Future Issues for Workers, Work Arrangements, Organizations, and the Industrial Relations System