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

Refusing to bargain in good faith with the certified exclusive representative is explicitly prohibited as an unfair labor practice under 5 U.S.C. § 7116, as it undermines the collective bargaining process.

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

Retaliation against an employee for union activity is an unfair labor practice, and ULP charges are filed with and investigated by the Federal Labor Relations Authority.

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

Negotiated grievance procedures in the federal sector are broadly defined to cover matters involving the interpretation or application of the collective bargaining agreement, law, or regulation affecting conditions of employment.

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

Negotiated grievance procedures in the federal sector culminate in binding arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator issues a final and binding decision on the dispute.

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

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing approximately 700,000 federal and District of Columbia government workers.

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Federal Labor Relations and Unions 2