Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

What is the term for an agreement where a worker pledges not to join a union?

1. Closed shop

2. Collective bargaining agreement

3. Yellow dog contract

4. Open shop

The correct answer is: Yellow dog contract

The correct term for an agreement in which a worker gives their pledge not to join a union is known as a yellow dog contract. This type of contract was historically used by employers to deter union membership and was intended to prevent workers from organizing or joining labor unions. In more detail, yellow dog contracts were common in the early to mid-20th century, especially during periods of labor unrest. They served as a tool for management to maintain control over labor forces by discouraging union affiliation. Many states have since banned such contracts, recognizing their restrictive nature on workers' rights to associate and organize. The other options present different concepts: a closed shop refers to a workplace where only union members can be hired; a collective bargaining agreement is the contract between an employer and a union representing the workers; and an open shop is a workplace where employees are not required to join a union as a condition of employment.