Lesson 3 Review

A brief review of this lesson is provided below, followed on the next few pages by some questions to check your understanding of the material.

Labor unions spend as much time enforcing the terms of their contracts as they do engaged in negotiations. Occasionally, the union must take formal action to enforce or interpret the contract language. While arbitration has replaced seeking legal action, at least in terms of most contract matters, there are other forums available to the union and to individuals when disputes occur.

The fact that management knows the union is protecting members' rights often prevents them from violating the terms of the contract.