Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the NLRB in a union election process?

1. A. To propose labor laws

2. B. To monitor compliance

3. C. To conduct elections

4. D. To represent unions

The correct answer is: C. To conduct elections

The primary role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a union election process is to conduct elections. The NLRB is an independent federal agency established to enforce the National Labor Relations Act, which governs the rights of employees and employers in the context of union organizing and collective bargaining. During a union election, the NLRB ensures that the process is fair, free from outside influences, and conducted according to statutory guidelines. They are responsible for overseeing the elections, including determining eligibility, providing ballots, and ensuring that the election is conducted in a manner that protects the rights of all parties involved. This role is critical because it helps to uphold the integrity of the election process, making sure that workers can express their interests without coercion from either employers or union representatives. Other roles, such as proposing labor laws or representing unions, fall outside the NLRB's direct responsibilities in the context of conducting an election. Monitoring compliance may be part of their duties after the election, but the specific task of carrying out elections is a cornerstone of what the NLRB is designed to do.