Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What does collective bargaining involve?

1. Strikes by workers

2. Negotiation between unions and employers

3. Government regulations on labor

4. Individual contract agreements

The correct answer is: Negotiation between unions and employers

Collective bargaining refers to the process of negotiation between organized groups of workers, commonly represented by labor unions, and employers to reach agreements concerning wages, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of employment. In collective bargaining, both parties come together to discuss and negotiate terms that affect the workforce, aiming to create a collective agreement that benefits both employees and employers. This process is fundamental in labor relations as it empowers workers to have a voice in their employment conditions through their union representatives, rather than having to negotiate on an individual basis. Other options are related to aspects of labor relations or workplace issues but do not define collective bargaining. Strikes are a form of protest that may occur if negotiations break down, and while government regulations can influence labor practices, they do not constitute collective bargaining themselves. Individual contract agreements suggest personal negotiations that do not involve the collective nature of unionized bargaining.