Civil Service FAQ Federal Labor Relations and Unions 2

Question 1

Which of the following is an unfair labor practice (ULP) by a federal agency under the FSLMRS?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to bargain collectively in good faith with the exclusive representative

Answer

Denying an individual employee's request for a personal schedule change

Answer

Requiring employees to meet documented performance standards

Answer

Assigning employees to positions based on competitive examination results

Question 2

An employee who believes they were disciplined because of their union activity should file a charge with the:

Accepted Answer

Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

Answer

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Question 3

Under most federal collective bargaining agreements, a "grievance" covers:

Accepted Answer

Any matter involving the interpretation or application of the agreement or applicable law or regulation

Answer

Only formal disciplinary actions such as removals and suspensions of more than 14 days

Answer

Pay disputes that must first be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management

Answer

Any personal conflict between an employee and a supervisor, regardless of its basis

Question 4

What is the typical final step in a federal negotiated grievance procedure?

Accepted Answer

Binding arbitration before a neutral third-party arbitrator

Answer

A final written decision by the agency head

Answer

Review and decision by the Office of Personnel Management

Answer

A formal hearing before the Merit Systems Protection Board

Question 5

Which labor organization is the largest union representing federal civilian employees in the United States?

Accepted Answer

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

Answer

National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)

Answer

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Answer

National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE)

Question 6

When an employee has both a negotiated grievance procedure and a statutory appeals procedure available for the same matter, they must:

Accepted Answer

Elect to use one procedure or the other, but not both simultaneously

Answer

File under both procedures at the same time to preserve all rights

Answer

First exhaust the negotiated procedure before using the statutory procedure

Answer

Use only the statutory appeals procedure, as it supersedes negotiated procedures

Question 7

Under federal labor law, a union has a duty of fair representation that requires it to represent all bargaining unit employees:

Accepted Answer

Without regard to union membership status and without discrimination

Answer

Only those employees who are current dues-paying union members

Answer

On a priority basis based on seniority and years of federal service

Answer

Only in cases involving removal or suspensions exceeding 14 days