1. During the 1930s, what prompted the U.S. Congress to get involved in national labor relations and pass the National Labor Relations (Wagner) Act?
Congress believed it would stimulate the economy and bring the country out of the Great Depression.
Congress wanted to give more power to the judicial branch of the government in resolving labor issues.
Congress perceived that without legal protection for employee rights, the higher degree of economic power held by employers would lead to labor unrest, which in turn would have a detrimental effect on economic growth and the public’s interests.
Congress wanted to formally support and uphold the use of yellow-dog contracts.
2. Of ULP charges filed against employers in 2009, the two most common allegations were refusal to bargain in good faith and:
illegal discharge or other discrimination against employees.
endangering employee safety by failing to comply with safety regulations.
discharging employees for union membership.
failing to provide adequate health-care coverage for employees.
3. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has the responsibility to prevent employer and union Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) and to:
Promote unionization.
Increase union membership.
Secure benefits relating to economic conditions, such as inflation.
Determine if employees desire representation by independent labor organizations.
4. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice requirements do not apply when:
a plant closing will result in an employment loss for 50 or more workers at one site within a 30-day period.
a plant closing will result in an employment loss for less than 25 workers at one site within a 60-day period.
a mass layoff involves at least 33 percent of the workforce (minimum of 50 employees) within any 30-day period.
a mass layoff involves at least 500 employees within any 30-day period.