Certified Staffing Profesional Practice Exam

What is a "salt" in labor relations?

1. A union organizer

2. A shop steward

3. A union official making political contributions

4. A long-term union member

The correct answer is: A union organizer

In labor relations, the term "salt" refers to a union organizer who is hired by an employer to infiltrate a company in order to organize a union among its employees. This tactic involves the "salt" working within the company, building relationships, and encouraging fellow employees to support unionization efforts. The goal is to help the workforce recognize the benefits of collective bargaining and to mobilize them toward union representation. This method has historically been used as a strategy to strengthen union presence in workplaces where employees may be hesitant or unaware of the advantages of union membership. In the context provided, while the other choices each represent important roles in labor relations, they do not encompass the specific definition of a "salt." A shop steward serves as a liaison between the union and its members, a union official making political contributions involves advocacy or policy influence, and a long-term union member signifies commitment but does not pertain to the organizing strategy described by the term "salt."