Civil Service FAQ Federal Labor Relations and Unions 3

Question 1

"Dues checkoff" in federal labor law refers to:

Accepted Answer

The automatic deduction of union dues from an employee's paycheck upon their written authorization

Answer

Dues checkoff is the process by which an agency deducts union dues directly from an employee's paycheck and remits them to the union, based on a voluntary written authorization from the employee.

Question 2

The Hatch Act primarily restricts federal employees from:

Accepted Answer

Using their official authority or position to influence partisan political elections

Answer

The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from using their official authority or position to interfere with or influence partisan political campaigns and elections; it does not restrict union membership or participation.

Question 3

Which of the following employee groups is EXCLUDED from coverage under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute?

Accepted Answer

Employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Answer

The FBI and certain other national security agencies (CIA, NSA, Secret Service) are explicitly excluded from coverage under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 71, while most other civilian federal agencies are covered.

Question 4

What vote threshold is required for a union to win exclusive recognition in a federal sector representation election?

Accepted Answer

A majority of the valid ballots cast in the election

Answer

Under the FSLMRS, a union wins exclusive recognition by receiving a majority of the valid ballots cast in a secret ballot election conducted by the FLRA.

Question 5

Under the management rights provision of federal labor law (5 U.S.C. § 7106), management retains the right to:

Accepted Answer

Determine the agency's mission, budget, organizational structure, and number of employees

Answer

Section 7106 reserves core management rights, including the right to determine the agency's mission, budget, organization, number of employees, and internal security practices, which are not subject to collective bargaining.

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Federal Labor Relations and Unions 3