Final answer:
Management does have the right to set work schedules, but this is subject to the restrictions contained within any existing labor agreements. Labor agreements can limit management's scheduling rights through specific terms agreed upon between the employer and employees' union.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that management has a right to determine work schedules unless restricted by negotiated language in the labor agreement is generally true. Management does hold the prerogative to schedule work as they deem necessary for the operation of the business. However, this managerial right is subject to the conditions and stipulations outlined in any collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that might exist between the employer and the union representing the employees.
Labor agreements, resulting from negotiations between employers and unions, may impose specific limitations or requirements regarding work schedules. These might include fixed work hours, guaranteed days off, procedures for schedule changes, overtime regulations, and more. When a CBA is in place, the terms agreed upon in that contract must be honored by management, effectively limiting their discretion in scheduling to the extent outlined in the agreement.
The historical context of labor rights in the United States, including the passage of the Wagner Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, highlights the evolution of labor policies that balance management rights with protections for workers, including the right to collective bargaining.