Pattern-setting wage increases tend to be viewed as (LO6) a) minimums by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining b) maximums by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining c) irrelevant by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining

Pattern-setting wage increases are those wage adjustments established through collective bargaining between one union and an employer, which serves as a model or precedent for other unions and employers during subsequent bargaining rounds.

Unions involved in bargaining usually aim to secure the best deal for their members in terms of wages and working conditions. In the context of pattern-setting wage increases, unions engaged in subsequent bargaining will typically view these increases as a starting point or a basis from which they can either match or improve. The key is to understand whether they view them as minimums, maximums, or irrelevant.

a) Minimums by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining: Unions may view pattern-setting wage increases as minimums if they believe that the standards set by the initial negotiation can be improved upon, so they will aim for an outcome that matches or surpasses the initial agreement. b) Maximums by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining: Unions may view pattern-setting wage increases as maximums if they find the standards set by the initial negotiation unattainable or unreasonable, so they will aim for an outcome that is less favorable than the initial agreement. c) Irrelevant by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining: Unions may view pattern-setting wage increases as irrelevant if they do not believe that the initial negotiation has any bearing on their particular situation and will proceed with bargaining disregarding the pattern set by the initial negotiation.

The correct option is: a) minimums by unions engaged in subsequent bargaining Unions tend to view pattern-setting wage increases as minimums, because they are looking to achieve the best possible outcome for their members in terms of wages and working conditions. They will use the pattern set by the initial negotiation as a starting point, aiming to match or surpass it in their own bargaining sessions.