Strikes and Lockouts: A Guide to Work Stoppages in Labor Law

Question 1

What is the primary consequence of a strike for employees?

Accepted Answer

Loss of income and benefits

Answer

Improved working conditions

Answer

Increased job security

Answer

Enhanced career opportunities

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a cooling-off period in a labor dispute?

Accepted Answer

To provide additional time for negotiations to resolve the dispute

Answer

To allow employees to secure alternative employment

Answer

To enable employers to hire replacement workers

Answer

To prevent acts of violence or disruptions

Question 3

What is the fundamental distinction between a sympathy strike and a secondary boycott?

Accepted Answer

Sympathy strikes involve workers from outside the employer's industry, while secondary boycotts involve workers within the same industry

Answer

Sympathy strikes are lawful, while secondary boycotts are illegal

Answer

Sympathy strikes are endorsed by unions, while secondary boycotts are not

Answer

There is no distinction between sympathy strikes and secondary boycotts

Question 4

When determining the legality of a strike, which factor is NOT taken into consideration?

Accepted Answer

The personal beliefs and motivations of individual employees

Answer

The underlying purpose of the strike

Answer

The tactics employed by the union

Answer

The conduct of the employer

Question 5

The primary objective of a lockout is to:

Accepted Answer

Compel employees to accept the employer's contract demands

Answer

Prevent employees from forming a union

Answer

Punish employees for engaging in a strike

Answer

Improve working conditions for employees

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a strategy employed by unions during a strike?

Accepted Answer

Using violence

Answer

Picketing

Answer

Boycotting

Answer

Negotiating with the employer

Question 7

The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 was enacted to:

Accepted Answer

Restrict certain union activities

Answer

Legalize strikes

Answer

Establish a national minimum wage

Answer

Create the Department of Labor

Question 8

According to the National Labor Relations Act, which of the following is considered a protected activity?

Accepted Answer

Striking for higher wages or improved working conditions

Answer

Trespassing on the employer's property

Answer

Refusing to perform overtime work

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of a lockout?

Accepted Answer

To prevent or halt a strike by unionized employees

Answer

To punish union members for engaging in illegal activities

Answer

To gain concessions from the union during collective bargaining

Question 10

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered by courts in determining the legality of a strike?

Accepted Answer

The employer's financial status or ability to withstand the strike

Answer

The purpose and objectives of the strike

Answer

The tactics used by the union during the strike

Question 11

What is the primary goal of mediation in the context of labor disputes?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution without a work stoppage

Answer

To determine which party is at fault in the dispute

Answer

To impose a binding settlement on the parties involved

Question 12

Which characteristic is unique to a sympathy strike?

Accepted Answer

It involves workers who are not directly involved in the primary dispute

Answer

It is typically used to support a strike in a different industry or sector

Answer

It is illegal under the National Labor Relations Act

Question 13

What are the potential legal consequences for a union that engages in an illegal strike?

Accepted Answer

Both options a and b

Answer

The employer may obtain an injunction to stop the strike

Answer

The union may be held liable for damages caused by the strike

Question 14

What is the primary responsibility of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)?

Accepted Answer

To mediate and facilitate the resolution of labor disputes

Answer

To enforce federal labor laws and regulations

Answer

To conduct union certification elections

Question 15

What is the primary role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) during strikes and lockouts?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing laws that protect the rights of strikers and preventing unfair labor practices

Answer

Ordering employers to end lockouts

Answer

Negotiating settlements between unions and employers

Answer

Breaking up violent strikes

Question 16

How might a strike or lockout affect the surrounding community?

Accepted Answer

Increased unemployment and decreased economic activity

Answer

Improved public services due to increased government involvement

Answer

Enhanced community solidarity and increased social cohesion

Answer

Minimal impact on the local community as the effects are limited to the workplace

Question 17

The primary purpose of a strike is to:

Accepted Answer

Force employers to meet union demands

Answer

Build camaraderie among employees

Answer

Punish employers for unfair labor practices

Answer

Gain political support for union causes

Question 18

In the United States, the legal status of sympathy strikes is generally:

Accepted Answer

Allowed only in specific circumstances

Answer

Protected by the National Labor Relations Act

Answer

Illegal under all circumstances

Answer

Protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution

Question 19

Which action by an employer would be considered a lockout?

Accepted Answer

Shutting down the workplace and barring employees from entering

Answer

Hiring replacement workers during a strike

Answer

Refusing to hire new employees during a strike

Answer

Altering work rules without union approval

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a tactic used by unions during strikes?

Accepted Answer

Negotiation

Answer

Boycotts

Answer

Picketing

Answer

Job actions

Question 21

The purpose of a cooling-off period in labor disputes is to provide:

Accepted Answer

Both parties an opportunity to reconsider their positions

Answer

The public time to influence the outcome

Answer

Protection against violence and disruption

Answer

The government an opportunity to intervene

Question 22

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Enforcing labor laws and addressing unfair labor practices

Answer

Mediating between unions and employers

Answer

Establishing minimum wages and working conditions

Answer

Providing unemployment benefits to striking workers

Question 23

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which of the following is NOT a protected union activity?

Accepted Answer

Sabotage

Answer

Strikes for improved wages and benefits

Answer

Sympathy strikes

Answer

Slowdowns

Question 24

What is the primary objective of initiating a strike?

Accepted Answer

To compel an employer to accept union demands

Answer

To gain union recognition from an employer

Answer

To demonstrate solidarity with other unions

Answer

To prevent employers from hiring new workers

Question 25

Define a lockout.

Accepted Answer

A suspension of work initiated by employers

Answer

A suspension of work initiated by unions

Answer

A legal action by the government to prevent strikes

Answer

A written agreement between unions and employers

Question 26

What is the main reason employers use a lockout?

Accepted Answer

To prevent strikes by denying workers access to the workplace

Answer

To force workers to accept lower wages

Answer

To punish workers for engaging in illegal activities

Answer

To increase production and efficiency

Question 27

Which federal law specifically governs strikes by public employees?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Service Reform Act

Answer

The Taft-Hartley Act

Answer

The Wagner Act

Answer

The Norris-LaGuardia Act

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of a sympathy strike?

Accepted Answer

To support workers in another bargaining unit who are on strike

Answer

To put pressure on an employer who is refusing to bargain

Question 29

Which tactic is NOT employed by employers during a lockout?

Accepted Answer

Granting concessions to the union

Answer

Hiring replacement workers

Answer

Withholding paychecks

Answer

Closing down the workplace

Question 30

Describe the key distinction between a strike and a lockout:

Accepted Answer

A strike is initiated by workers, while a lockout is initiated by employers.

Answer

A strike is a temporary work stoppage, while a lockout is a permanent work stoppage.

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act?

Accepted Answer

To restrict certain rights of labor unions

Answer

A law that prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labor practices

Question 32

Describe the key difference between a boycott and a strike:

Accepted Answer

A boycott is a refusal to buy products or services, while a strike is a refusal to work.

Answer

A strike is a temporary work stoppage, while a boycott is a permanent work stoppage.

Question 33

Analyze the ethical and social responsibilities of employers and unions during strikes and lockouts, considering their impact on workers, communities, and the economy.

Accepted Answer

Employers and unions have an ethical obligation to negotiate fairly and minimize the negative consequences of strikes and lockouts.

Answer

Employers have no ethical obligation to minimize the impact of lockouts on workers.

Answer

Unions should prioritize the well-being of their members, even if it means disregarding the interests of the community.

Answer

Strikes and lockouts should always be avoided, as they always harm all parties involved.

Question 34

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which of the following actions by employees is protected against employer retaliation?

Accepted Answer

Striking

Answer

Boycotting

Answer

Political protest

Answer

Harassing co-workers

Question 35

Which type of work stoppage is initiated by employees to pressure an employer into meeting their demands?

Accepted Answer

Strike

Answer

Lockout

Answer

Boycott

Question 36

What is the primary goal of mediation in labor disputes?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a negotiated settlement between the parties

Answer

To determine which party is at fault

Answer

To impose a binding solution on the parties

Answer

To punish the party responsible for the dispute

Question 37

Which of the following factors is considered when determining the legality of a strike?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the strike

Answer

The number of strikers involved

Answer

The union affiliation of the strikers

Answer

The duration of the strike

Question 38

A sympathy strike is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A strike by workers who are not directly involved in a labor dispute but who are supporting other striking workers

Answer

A strike that occurs in multiple industries simultaneously

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of a prolonged strike?

Accepted Answer

Loss of jobs

Answer

Improved employer-employee relations

Answer

Increased union membership

Answer

Higher wages for workers

Question 40

What is the key responsibility of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the NLRA and resolve unfair labor practice charges

Answer

To set wages and benefits for workers

Answer

To mediate labor disputes

Question 41

What is the main purpose of a lockout?

Accepted Answer

To pressure the union into accepting the employer's contract demands

Answer

To prevent the union from organizing workers

Answer

To punish employees for engaging in a strike

Question 42

What is the fundamental difference between a strike and a lockout?

Accepted Answer

Strikes are initiated by employees, while lockouts are initiated by employers.

Answer

Strikes target the employer's business, while lockouts target the union.

Answer

Strikes can involve violence, while lockouts cannot.

Question 43

What is the primary objective of a collective bargaining agreement?

Accepted Answer

To establish the terms and conditions of employment

Answer

To resolve grievances

Answer

To promote worker safety

Answer

To prevent strikes and lockouts

Question 44

What is the primary responsibility of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the NLRA and resolve labor disputes

Answer

To represent unions in negotiations

Answer

To prevent strikes and lockouts

Question 45

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a prolonged labor dispute?

Accepted Answer

Economic losses

Answer

Improved labor relations

Answer

Enhanced worker morale

Answer

Increased productivity

Question 46

What is a "wildcat strike"?

Accepted Answer

A strike that is not authorized by the union

Answer

A strike that involves violence or property damage

Answer

A strike that lasts for an extended period of time

Answer

A strike that targets multiple employers

Question 47

Which of the following actions is protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)?

Accepted Answer

Employees engaging in a strike to demand higher wages.

Answer

Employees harassing workers who choose not to participate in a strike.

Answer

Employees intentionally damaging company property.

Answer

Employees engaging in violent acts during a strike.

Question 48

What is the main reason for an employer to implement a lockout?

Accepted Answer

To put pressure on the union to accept the employer's proposed terms during negotiations.

Answer

To punish employees who have participated in a strike.

Answer

To prevent violence from occurring during a strike.

Question 49

Which of these is NOT a legal reason for an employer to implement a lockout?

Accepted Answer

To prevent a decrease in production speed or efficiency.

Answer

To respond to a strike deemed illegal by law.

Answer

To retaliate against union activity, as long as it's not the primary reason.

Answer

To gain a more favorable bargaining position.

Question 50

What is the primary purpose of the Norris-LaGuardia Act?

Accepted Answer

It limits the ability of courts to issue injunctions that would stop strikes or lockouts.

Answer

It requires unions to provide advance notice before organizing a strike.

Answer

It prohibits the use of force or threats in labor disputes.

Question 51

What is a potential consequence of a prolonged strike?

Accepted Answer

Financial losses for both the company and the workers, potentially impacting the local community.

Answer

A decline in public support for labor unions.

Answer

Improved communication and understanding between management and workers.

Question 52

What is the primary goal of mediation during a labor dispute?

Accepted Answer

To help both sides reach an agreement that is acceptable to everyone involved.

Answer

To determine which side is responsible for the conflict.

Answer

To make sure that the dispute is resolved quickly.

Answer

To prevent the use of violence or intimidation.

Question 53

What is the main purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act?

Accepted Answer

To amend the NLRA by limiting certain powers of labor unions.

Answer

To protect the right of workers to participate in strikes.

Answer

To establish the National Labor Relations Board.