U

Unemployment Compensation

A mandatory benefit under the Social Security Act; provides limited income continuation for employees who involuntarily lose their jobs.

Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)

Activities of either the employer or labor organization that are prohibited by the Wagner Act as amended.

Unfair Labor Practice Strike

A strike occurring to protest commission of an unfair labor practice by the employer.

Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978)

Guidance published in the Code of Federal Regulations that assists employers in complying with federal law and avoiding complaints of illegal discrimination.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (1994)

Also known as USERRA. This legislation prohibits employment discrimination based on military service and provides a broad array of protections, including rights to employment and benefits.

Union

A formal organization of workers that promotes the welfare of those it represents through collective action regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Union Shop

A union security arrangement requiring that bargaining unit employees maintain union membership as a condition of employment.

United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979)

The Supreme Court ruling indicating that voluntary affirmative action quotas agreed to by the employer and a union are legal.