Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

During union-organizing efforts, what constitutes an unfair labor practice by management?

1. Informing employees that the nurse executive would rather deal directly with them than with the union

2. Refusing to allow employees to attend a meeting convened by labor organizers during work hours

3. Removing outside organizers from the organization's premises

4. Supplying the union with requested information about specific employees of the organization

The correct answer is: Supplying the union with requested information about specific employees of the organization

The correct answer identifies actions related to unfair labor practices during union-organizing efforts. In this context, supplying the union with requested information about specific employees can be considered an unfair labor practice if it violates privacy rights or the rules set forth by labor relations laws regarding employee information. In labor relations, management is often required to protect employee confidentiality and cannot indiscriminately share personal or sensitive information with a union without proper justification. Doing so may undermine the trust employees have in their employer regarding their personal data and can impede the fairness of the organizing process. Effective labor relations hinge on maintaining a balance between the rights of employees to organize and the rights of employers to manage their workforce. If management provides unions with sensitive information that could be used against an employee or could lead to coercion or threats, it can create a hostile environment for organizing efforts and is thus seen as an unfair labor practice. Understanding these nuances is critical for leaders in nursing and healthcare, as managing relationships with labor unions and understanding labor laws is essential for maintaining compliance and fostering a supportive work environment.