Labor Dispute at Ajax Enterprises: Unfair Labor Practices and Strikes

Based on the given facts, which of the following is true?

a. If Ajax was bargaining in good faith, the employees can return to their jobs.
b. Under any circumstances, Ajax is committing an unfair labor practice by locking them out.
c. If Ajax was bargaining in good faith, Ajax can hire replacement workers.
d. If Ajax was not bargaining in good faith, the workers cannot return to their jobs.

Final answer:

The correct answer is option c: If Ajax was bargaining in good faith, Ajax can hire replacement workers when the union goes on strike.

Based on the given facts, under any circumstances, Ajax is committing an unfair labor practice by locking out its employees. This is because the employees went on strike as a last resort after Ajax refused to provide a wage increase that was their primary goal in collective bargaining with the Fair Union. Ajax's decision to lock out the employees is seen as an attempt to retaliate against them for going on strike and exercising their right to collective bargaining. Locking out employees is considered an unfair labor practice because it deprives them of their livelihood and puts pressure on them to accept Ajax's terms, which is against the principles of good faith bargaining. Furthermore, locking out employees can also be seen as an attempt to undermine the collective bargaining process by reducing the bargaining power of the union.

In this situation, if Ajax Enterprises was genuinely engaged in collective bargaining with the Fair Union and was not intentionally avoiding a wage increase, they have the right to lock out the employees and hire replacement workers. This is because the union members chose to go on strike, which can negatively impact the business operations. However, if it's found that Ajax was not bargaining in good faith, other consequences and actions may follow regarding unfair labor practices.