Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

What labour relations strategy will counteract the chilling effect?

1. Final offer arbitration

2. Expedited grievance hearings

3. Distributive bargaining

4. Open-door policy

The correct answer is: Final offer arbitration

Final offer arbitration is a strategy that can effectively counteract the chilling effect, which occurs when employees fear that voicing concerns or participating in collective bargaining could lead to negative consequences like retaliation or job loss. In final offer arbitration, the parties involved submit their final proposals to an arbitrator, who then selects one of the proposals in its entirety. This method encourages parties to be more reasonable in their offers, as there's a risk that their extreme position could lead to a less favorable outcome for them. By using final offer arbitration, it promotes a more collaborative atmosphere, reducing fears among employees regarding the repercussions of taking part in negotiations. Since both parties know that an impartial arbitrator will make a decision based purely on the proposals presented, this mechanism can help alleviate concerns, thereby encouraging more open communication and participation in the bargaining process. The other strategies listed do not specifically address the chilling effect in the same way. For example, expedited grievance hearings may improve efficiency in resolving disputes but do not necessarily foster a supportive environment for employees to express their concerns. Distributive bargaining focuses on dividing a fixed amount of resources and can often lead to an adversarial relationship between parties, which might exacerbate the chilling effect. An open-door policy encourages employees to share their concerns