C9l2-quiz: Wages And Labor Disputes

1. In what broad labor category would electricians be classified when determining their wages?

Skilled labor

Unskilled labor

Semiskilled labor

Professional labor

Electricians would be classified under the broad labor category of skilled labor when determining their wages. This is because electricians require specialized knowledge and training to perform their job, which distinguishes them from unskilled or semiskilled labor. Skilled labor typically involves occupations that require a higher level of expertise and experience, often involving technical or specialized skills. Electricians need to have a deep understanding of electrical systems, wiring, and safety protocols, making them part of the skilled labor category. Professional labor, on the other hand, usually refers to occupations that require advanced degrees or specialized professional qualifications, which may not be applicable to electricians.

Explanation

Electricians would be classified under the broad labor category of skilled labor when determining their wages. This is because electricians require specialized knowledge and training to perform their job, which distinguishes them from unskilled or semiskilled labor. Skilled labor typically involves occupations that require a higher level of expertise and experience, often involving technical or specialized skills. Electricians need to have a deep understanding of electrical systems, wiring, and safety protocols, making them part of the skilled labor category. Professional labor, on the other hand, usually refers to occupations that require advanced degrees or specialized professional qualifications, which may not be applicable to electricians.

2. The market theory of wage determination suggests that wages are determined by ______________.

Supply and demand

Workers' credentials

Government regulation

Workers' knowledge and skills

The market theory of wage determination suggests that wages are determined by supply and demand. This means that the wages of workers will be higher when there is high demand for their skills and a limited supply of workers with those skills. Conversely, wages will be lower when there is low demand for certain skills or an oversupply of workers in the labor market. This theory emphasizes the role of market forces in determining wages, rather than factors such as workers' credentials, government regulation, or their knowledge and skills.

Explanation

The market theory of wage determination suggests that wages are determined by supply and demand. This means that the wages of workers will be higher when there is high demand for their skills and a limited supply of workers with those skills. Conversely, wages will be lower when there is low demand for certain skills or an oversupply of workers in the labor market. This theory emphasizes the role of market forces in determining wages, rather than factors such as workers' credentials, government regulation, or their knowledge and skills.

3. Which theory of wage determination best explains why workers who belong to a union typically receive higher weekly wages than those who do not?

Signaling

Negotiated wages

Equilibrium wage rates

Noncompeting categories

Negotiated wages best explain why union workers typically receive higher weekly wages than non-union workers. In a unionized setting, wages are determined through collective bargaining between the union and the employer. Unions have the power to negotiate better wages and benefits for their members, as they can leverage the collective strength of the workers. This allows them to secure higher wages compared to non-union workers who do not have the same bargaining power.

Explanation

Negotiated wages best explain why union workers typically receive higher weekly wages than non-union workers. In a unionized setting, wages are determined through collective bargaining between the union and the employer. Unions have the power to negotiate better wages and benefits for their members, as they can leverage the collective strength of the workers. This allows them to secure higher wages compared to non-union workers who do not have the same bargaining power.

4. What is the purpose of collective bargaining?

To collect facts about issues that may have been distorted

To request a court order instructing both parties to negotiate

To seek compromise and minimize disputes between labor and management.

The purpose of collective bargaining is to seek compromise and minimize disputes between labor and management. This process allows representatives from both sides to negotiate and reach agreements on various issues such as wages, working conditions, and benefits. By engaging in collective bargaining, both labor and management can work together to find common ground and resolve conflicts, ultimately promoting a harmonious and productive working relationship.

Explanation

The purpose of collective bargaining is to seek compromise and minimize disputes between labor and management. This process allows representatives from both sides to negotiate and reach agreements on various issues such as wages, working conditions, and benefits. By engaging in collective bargaining, both labor and management can work together to find common ground and resolve conflicts, ultimately promoting a harmonious and productive working relationship.

5. How does arbitration differ from mediation?

In arbitration, both parties must file formal grievances.

In arbitration, labor must agree to a temporary lock out.

In arbitration, a third party helps settle the dispute.

In arbitration, both parties must accept the final decision.

Arbitration differs from mediation because in arbitration, both parties are required to accept the final decision. This means that once the arbitrator makes a ruling, it is binding and cannot be appealed. In mediation, on the other hand, the mediator facilitates the negotiation process between the parties but does not have the power to make a final decision. The outcome of mediation is reached through mutual agreement and can be rejected by either party.

Explanation

Arbitration differs from mediation because in arbitration, both parties are required to accept the final decision. This means that once the arbitrator makes a ruling, it is binding and cannot be appealed. In mediation, on the other hand, the mediator facilitates the negotiation process between the parties but does not have the power to make a final decision. The outcome of mediation is reached through mutual agreement and can be rejected by either party.

6. What power does the president of the United States NOT have over labor-management disputes?

The president may use the 1926 Railway Labor Relations Act to end a strike.

The president may publicly appeal to both parties to resolve their differences.

The president may fire federal workers who strike after they took an oath not to do so.

The president may act as a unbiased mediator to help both parties achieve a compromise.

The president of the United States does not have the power to act as an unbiased mediator to help both parties achieve a compromise in labor-management disputes. While the president may use the 1926 Railway Labor Relations Act to end a strike and may publicly appeal to both parties to resolve their differences, they do not have the authority to directly mediate the dispute. Additionally, the president may fire federal workers who strike after taking an oath not to do so, which demonstrates their power over labor-management disputes.

Explanation

The president of the United States does not have the power to act as an unbiased mediator to help both parties achieve a compromise in labor-management disputes. While the president may use the 1926 Railway Labor Relations Act to end a strike and may publicly appeal to both parties to resolve their differences, they do not have the authority to directly mediate the dispute. Additionally, the president may fire federal workers who strike after taking an oath not to do so, which demonstrates their power over labor-management disputes.