Union Terminology

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Fact Finding:

Investigation of labor-management disputes by a board, panel, or individual. A report is issued by the panel describing the issue in dispute, and may make recommendations for a solution.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):

The 1938 federal Wage-Hour Law which establishes minimum wage, maximum weekly hours and overtime pay requirements in industries engaged in interstate commerce. The law also prohibited the labor of children under 16 years of age.

Fair Share:

Under a union security clause of a union contract, the amount a nonunion member must contribute to a union to support collective bargaining activities. This arrangement is justified on the grounds that the union is obliged to represent all employees faithfully.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):

Federal law establishing a basic floor of 12 weeks of unpaid family and medical leave in any 12-month period to deal with birth or adoption of a child, to care for an immediate family member with a "serious health condition", or to receive care when the employee is unable to work because of his or her own "serious health condition".

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS):

Independent agency created by the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947 to mediate labor disputes which substantially affect interstate commerce.

Federal Service Impasse Panel:

In federal employment, it provides assistance in resolving negotiating impasses. The various techniques it employs are to serve as a substitute for the right to strike.

Field Examiner:

An employee of the NLRB whose primary duties are to conduct certification elections and carry out preliminary investigations of unfair labor practices.

FLSA:

See Fair Labor Standards Act.

FMCS:

See Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

FMLA:

See Family and Medical Leave Act.

Free Riders:

Used in an open shop to refer to non-union members who receive all the benefits derived from collective bargaining without paying union dues or equivalent fees.

Front Loading:

The concentration of wage and benefit increases in the beginning of a contract.