Final answer:
A practice, favored by unions, which requires that employees join the union within a specified period of time or forfeit their jobs is called a closed shop. Option 2 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The employment arrangement known as a closed shop represents a practice often endorsed by labor unions, where employees are mandated to become union members within a predetermined timeframe or risk losing their jobs. In this workplace setting, individuals seeking employment are obligated to join the designated union as a prerequisite for securing and maintaining their positions. This practice is strategically implemented by unions to guarantee that every employee within the closed shop framework actively participates in and supports union activities.
The closed shop policy serves as a mechanism to foster unity and collective strength among workers, as it ensures that all individuals benefiting from the terms negotiated by the union also contribute to its maintenance. By making union membership a requirement for employment, unions aim to create a cohesive workforce with shared interests and goals.
This strategy is particularly employed to prevent free-riding, wherein employees enjoy the advantages negotiated by the union without actively supporting or participating in its initiatives. While closed shops have been favored by unions as a means of consolidating their influence, the practice has also been a subject of debate, with considerations about individual freedom and the potential for excluding non-union workers from job opportunities.