17. O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. is a manufacturer, distributor, and installer of kitchen cabinets.
Its manufacturing plant and installation crews are unionized by the Carpenters'
Union, and the distribution employees are unionized by the Teamsters. Which type of
bargaining structure would management most likely prefer?
A. Pattern bargaining
B. Labor-intensive bargaining
C. Centralized bargaining
D. Independent bargaining
To determine which type of bargaining structure management of O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. would most likely prefer, let's understand the different options:
A. Pattern bargaining: This refers to a situation where negotiations are based on a pre-existing agreement or pattern established in the industry. It involves reaching a similar agreement with other unions in the same industry. Since O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. has different unions representing its manufacturing, distribution, and installation workers, pattern bargaining would not be the most suitable option.
B. Labor-intensive bargaining: This term usually describes negotiations that are complex and involve much time and effort due to the nature of the industry's labor requirements. While O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. does have both manufacturing and installation crews that are unionized, it does not necessarily mean the bargaining process is exclusively labor-intensive. So, labor-intensive bargaining may not be the most relevant option.
C. Centralized bargaining: This refers to a situation where negotiations are conducted with a single entity that represents the interests of all unions involved. Since O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. has different unions representing its manufacturing and distribution employees, centralized bargaining may not be the most suitable option.
D. Independent bargaining: This term refers to negotiations that are conducted separately with each individual union representing different employee groups. Considering that O.S.R. Manufacturing Inc. has multiple unions representing different employee groups, independent bargaining would be the most likely preference for management.
Therefore, the answer would be D. Independent bargaining.