Workforce Management & Labor Relations Flashcards
7 cards from real Construction Management practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Workforce Management & Labor Relations flashcards as text
What is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) in construction?
Answer: A pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that sets labor terms for a specific construction project
A PLA is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement between contractors and unions that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project.
What is 'labor burden' in construction cost estimating?
Answer: The additional costs beyond base wages, such as taxes, insurance, and benefits, borne by the employer
Labor burden refers to the indirect costs an employer pays on top of base wages, including payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA), workers' compensation insurance, health benefits, and paid time off.
What is the primary purpose of a manning schedule on a construction project?
Answer: To plan the number and type of workers needed on-site over the project duration
A manning schedule is a planning tool that shows the projected workforce by trade over the life of a project, helping managers anticipate labor needs and control costs.
Under a 'right-to-work' law, what is prohibited?
Answer: Requiring union membership or payment of union dues as a condition of employment
Right-to-work laws prohibit agreements that make union membership or financial contributions to a union a requirement for getting or keeping a job.
What is the role of a union steward on a construction job site?
Answer: To serve as the on-site representative of the union, handling grievances and ensuring CBA compliance
A union steward is a fellow worker elected to represent the union members on the job site, ensuring the collective bargaining agreement is followed and handling employee grievances.
What does a labor productivity analysis help a construction manager determine?
Answer: Whether the actual work output per labor-hour matches the planned output
Labor productivity analysis compares actual work put in place per labor-hour against the budgeted rate, identifying inefficiencies and allowing managers to take corrective action.
Which act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on union activity or organizing efforts?
Answer: National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
The NLRA (also known as the Wagner Act) protects employees' rights to organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining free from employer interference or discrimination.