Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification Practice Test

In the context of labor relations, when there is a conflict between an employee handbook and a union contract, the union contract generally prevails. This is because union contracts, or collective bargaining agreements, are legally binding agreements negotiated between the employer and the union representing the employees. They are intended to outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties and typically hold greater legal weight than non-negotiated employer policies.

The employee handbook, while it serves as a guideline for workplace policies and procedures, does not have the same binding authority as a union contract. In situations where policies may not align, the union contract's provisions should be followed, as they represent the negotiated rights of employees. This precedence protects employees' collective bargaining rights and ensures that the terms agreed upon in the contract are honored.

The other options are not applicable because employer policies cannot override a union contract, arbitration is not necessarily required in every case of conflict since the contract provides clear guidelines, and managerial discretion is typically limited by the terms of the union contract. Thus, the union contract is the authoritative source in instances of conflict.