Understanding Unions and Labor Relations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to labor unions, collective bargaining, and workplace rights as discussed in the lecture.

Labor Union

An organization formed by workers to represent their collective interests in negotiations with employers.

Collective Bargaining

The process by which unions and management negotiate terms of employment, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

Taft-Hartley Act

A 1947 law that allowed states to pass 'right-to-work' laws, permitting individuals to work without being required to join a union.

AFL-CIO

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, a major union federation in the United States.

Industrial Union

A labor union that represents workers in a specific industry, regardless of their individual skills.

Right to Work Law

Legislation that protects an employee's choice to join or not join a union without fear of discrimination.

Shop Steward

A union representative who is typically a worker at the company and helps to manage labor relations on the shop floor.

Mediation

A process where a neutral third party helps facilitate negotiations between a union and management to resolve disputes.

Strike

A work stoppage initiated by employees to exert pressure on their employer during negotiations.

Boycott

An organized campaign to persuade others not to buy or use a company's products or services as a form of protest.

Yellow Dog Contract

An agreement between an employer and an employee in which the employee agrees not to join a union.

Arbitration

A process where a neutral third party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute between a union and an employer.

Severance Pay

Monetary compensation provided to employees upon termination of employment, often as part of a union contract.

Quid Pro Quo

A situation where employment benefits are offered in exchange for favorable treatment, often associated with sexual harassment cases.

Hostile Work Environment

A form of workplace harassment where unwelcome conduct creates an intimidating or abusive work atmosphere.