3.4 Trade Unions

Front

In what circumstances are trade unions more likely to be effective in wage negotiations for their members? Options: an economic boom, a recession, a period of declining productivity, a period of rising unemployment

Back

an economic boom

Front

Which trade union action is most likely to have harmful effects on the productivity of a firm? Options: A acceptance of new technology, B. agreement to a bonus system, C. opposition to planned redundancies, D. participation in a profit-sharing scheme

Back

opposition to planned redundancies

Front

When will a trade union be most effective in pursuing its members' interests? Options: A. The economy is in recession with rising unemployment. B. The employers have few orders for the product. C. The government passes a law to increase competition in the labour market. D. The members' wages make up a small part of total costs

Back

The members' wages make up a small part of total costs

Front

What is least likely to be a function of a trade union? A improving working conditions, B. reducing the cost of labour, C. representing members interests, D securing adequate pay for members

Back

reducing the cost of labour

Front

What is the main purpose of a trade union?

Back

to protect the interests of its members

Front

In which situation will a trade union be least likely to be effective in supporting the interests of its members? A. economy is experiencing an increase in unemployment. B. The firms have a large increase in demand for the product. C. The government passes a law weakening the powers of employers D. The workers' wages are a small proportion of total costs.

Back

economy is experiencing an increase in unemployment.

Front

UK flights were severely disrupted after a pay dispute involving trade union members. Which change would the union not have used to support their pay claim? A. a downtum in the booking of flights, B. a fall in the real wages of airline staff, C. an increase in the airlines profits, D. a rise in inflation

Back

a downtum in the booking of flights

Front

What is not a function of a trade union? A to arrange promotion for its members, B to discuss members' working conditions, C to negotiate members' wages, D to represent members in dispute

Back

to arrange promotion for its members

Front

What might a trade union usually be expected to do for its members?

Back

negotiate better working conditions

Front

What does the term "closed shop" mean?

Back

an agreement that all workers must be members of the same trade union