Final Answer:
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) was established by b. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. (Option b)
Step-by-step explanation:
The establishment of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) is attributed to the enactment of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. This legislation aimed to reform and modernize the civil service system in the United States. The FLRA, created under Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act, plays a crucial role in overseeing and facilitating collective bargaining within the federal government, ensuring fair labor practices, and resolving disputes between federal agencies and their employees.
The Civil Service Reform Act was a comprehensive piece of legislation that addressed various aspects of the federal workforce. Title VII specifically focused on labor-management relations, delineating the responsibilities and powers of the FLRA. This included the authority to determine appropriate bargaining units, oversee union representation elections, and adjudicate unfair labor practice charges. The establishment of FLRA marked a significant milestone in promoting effective labor relations and ensuring the rights and interests of federal employees.
In essence, the FLRA's creation was a response to the need for a structured and impartial entity to oversee labor relations in the federal sector. By placing it under the umbrella of the Civil Service Reform Act, policymakers sought to strike a balance between the government's interests and the rights of its employees, fostering a fair and constructive working environment within the federal workforce.(Option b).