Question

collective bargaining:

cannot be used to describe todays union-management relations, but does apply to general vertical conflict.

is one type of negotiation used to resolve disagreements between workers and management, through a union, establishing fixed responsibilities for the next two to three years.

is considered to be an integration device that results in contracts establishing flexible responsibilities for the next ten to fifteen years.

has been eliminated because of the introduction of more innovative cooperative approaches.

Explanation:

Define collective bargaining

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at agreements to regulate working salaries, conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers' rights.

Analyze the options

• Option 1: "cannot be used to describe today's union-management relations..." is incorrect because collective bargaining remains the primary mechanism for modern union-management relations.
• Option 2: "is one type of negotiation used to resolve disagreements between workers and management, through a union, establishing fixed responsibilities for the next two to three years." This accurately describes the core function, parties involved (union and management), and typical multi-year duration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Option 3: "...establishing flexible responsibilities for the next ten to fifteen years." This is incorrect because labor contracts typically establish fixed, legally binding terms and rarely span such long durations (10–15 years).
• Option 4: "has been eliminated..." is incorrect because collective bargaining is still widely practiced and legally protected.

Select the correct option

Option 2 is the most accurate and standard definition of collective bargaining.

Answer:

• (A) cannot be used to describe today's union-management relations, but does apply to general vertical conflict.
• (B) is one type of negotiation used to resolve disagreements between workers and management, through a union, establishing fixed responsibilities for the next two to three years. (Correct answer)
• (C) is considered to be an integration device that results in contracts establishing flexible responsibilities for the next ten to fifteen years.
• (D) has been eliminated because of the introduction of more innovative cooperative approaches.