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Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes

Preparing for the ASWB exam involves more than just reviewing textbook definitions and memorizing key terms. To succeed, you need a solid grasp of the ethical principles that guide Social Work practice in real-life scenarios. One such principle, often underestimated during study sessions, is found in section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics: Labor–Management Disputes.

This section may seem technical at first glance, but it’s deeply relevant to the everyday realities of being a Social Worker. Labor-management conflicts happen across many settings, from hospitals and schools to public agencies. When tensions rise between employees and employers, Social Workers are often caught in the middle. Understanding how to respond ethically, while staying committed to client well-being and professional obligations, is a skill the ASWB exam expects you to have.

In this post, we’ll explore exactly what 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes covers, why it’s tested, and how you can prepare for it confidently. You’ll also find a practice question with a clear explanation, real-world context to ground the concepts, and a look at how Agents of Change can support your study process every step of the way.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) What Is 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes?

Section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses an area that many Social Workers might not think about often. What should you do when your workplace becomes a site of conflict between employees and management? Whether it’s a strike, contract negotiation, or union disagreement, this section outlines the ethical responsibilities of Social Workers in those situations.

a dispute between coworkers in a diverse casual office environment

Here’s the full text of 3.10 from the NASW Code of Ethics:

3.10 Labor–Management Disputes
Social Workers may be placed in the position of participating in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes.

Social Workers should be knowledgeable about the implications of participation in such activities.

Social Workers should carefully examine issues related to possible conflicts of interest between their professional work and actions as a member of a labor union.

Actions of Social Workers involved in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes should be guided by the profession’s values, ethical principles, and ethical standards.

Let’s break this down, one line at a time:

“Social Workers may be placed in the position of participating in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes.”

This opening statement sets the context. It recognizes that Social Workers, like professionals in many fields, may at some point be involved in disputes between staff and management. This could include walkouts, protests, or formal negotiations. Anything that creates friction in the workplace could fall under this umbrella. The Code isn’t saying you should or shouldn’t participate, just that you might find yourself in the middle of it.

“Social Workers should be knowledgeable about the implications of participation in such activities.”

Here’s where it gets more specific. You’re expected to understand the consequences of taking part in any labor-related action. That means knowing how your choices could affect your clients, your colleagues, and your professional role. Participation in a strike, for instance, might seem like an act of solidarity, but if it disrupts client services or violates professional ethics, it needs to be reconsidered.

“Social Workers should carefully examine issues related to possible conflicts of interest between their professional work and actions as a member of a labor union.”

This is where things often get complicated. You might wear two hats, one as a dedicated Social Worker and another as a union member advocating for better working conditions. The Code urges you to reflect carefully on any potential conflict between those roles. Could advocating for the union interfere with your ethical responsibilities to clients? If so, you’ll need to navigate that tension thoughtfully.

“Actions of Social Workers involved in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes should be guided by the profession’s values, ethical principles, and ethical standards.”

Finally, this line ties everything together. Regardless of which side you’re on or how passionate you feel about the dispute, your behavior must remain grounded in the core values of the Social Work profession. These include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These aren’t just ideals. They are the ethical lens through which every action should be evaluated.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Why Understanding 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes Matters on the ASWB Exam

When you’re preparing for the ASWB exam, it’s easy to focus on the more obvious content areas like clinical interventions, developmental theories, or diagnosis. But ethics questions, especially those involving real-world dilemmas, carry significant weight. One area that catches many test-takers off guard is labor–management disputes. Section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics may not seem like a high-priority topic, but it belongs on your radar.

a dispute between coworkers in a diverse casual office environment

Understanding this section isn’t just about knowing what the Code says. It’s about being able to apply it when you’re put in complex, high-stakes situations, exactly the type of scenarios the ASWB exam likes to present.

Ethical Dilemmas Are a Major Theme on the Exam

The ASWB exam is designed to test your ability to apply ethical principles in challenging contexts. You won’t just be asked to recall the code; you’ll be expected to recognize ethical tension and respond appropriately. Section 3.10 fits that perfectly because it introduces a situation where personal values, professional duties, and organizational loyalty might collide.

Expect questions involving:

  • Conflicts between client needs and job-related actions

  • Strikes, walkouts, or protest actions impacting service delivery

  • Loyalty to a labor union vs. obligations to vulnerable populations

  • Situations where a Social Worker is pressured by either side of a dispute

The Exam Wants to See How You Prioritize Clients

Section 3.10 is all about keeping your clients’ well-being front and center, even when you’re facing tough choices as an employee. The exam will push you to think like a Social Worker first, even if that means asking tough questions about your role in a labor action.

Key client-centered considerations include:

  • Will participation in a strike directly harm clients?

  • Can essential services be maintained during job actions?

  • How should confidentiality be handled during workplace disputes?

  • Is there a safe, ethical way to express your concerns without neglecting responsibilities?

It’s a Test of Ethical Reasoning, Not Just Memorization

Unlike memorizing developmental stages or policy names, questions on labor–management disputes challenge you to think critically. What makes a response “most ethical” in a nuanced situation? Which action reflects professional integrity, even under pressure?

To answer those kinds of questions, you need to:

  • Know what the NASW Code says

  • Understand the underlying values of Social Work

  • Weigh conflicting duties and identify potential consequences

  • Recognize the importance of reflection before action

Situational Judgment Is Key

These questions often show up in scenario format. You’ll be given a situation where you’re either asked to make a decision or choose the best next step. It’s less about what you know and more about how you think through the situation.

You may see questions like:

  • “What should the Social Worker consider first?”

  • “Which action best reflects the Social Worker’s ethical obligations?”

  • “What is the most appropriate next step in this situation?”

Takeaway: Know It, Apply It, Prioritize Ethically

Labor–management disputes are the type of real-world issue that the ASWB exam uses to test judgment under pressure. If you don’t fully understand section 3.10, it’s easy to get tripped up on these questions.

To prepare effectively:

  • Review section 3.10 word-for-word

  • Practice applying it to different workplace scenarios

  • Understand how labor issues might impact client care

  • Use a study tool like Agents of Change that includes practice questions based on these ethical situations

This part of the test isn’t just about passing. It’s about preparing you to be the kind of Social Worker who responds with thoughtfulness, ethics, and a strong commitment to client care—even when the workplace gets complicated.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Labor–Management Disputes

A Social Worker employed at a government-funded behavioral health clinic learns that the staff union is planning a strike to protest unsafe working conditions and excessive caseloads. The Social Worker agrees with the concerns and is considering joining the strike. However, many of the clients are at high risk and may lose access to essential services if the clinic closes. What is the BEST first step the Social Worker should take?

A) Join the strike to advocate for long-term systemic change in the agency
B) Continue working and refuse to participate in any strike-related activities
C) Consult the NASW Code of Ethics and evaluate potential impacts on clients
D) Speak publicly in support of the strike while still providing client care

Correct Answer: C) Consult the NASW Code of Ethics and evaluate potential impacts on clients

✅ Rationale:

The correct response is C, because it reflects the ethical guidance provided in Section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics. Social Workers are encouraged to carefully examine potential conflicts between their professional responsibilities and union involvement. This includes assessing how their participation in labor actions might affect client well-being.

Before making a decision, the Social Worker should consult the Code of Ethics and thoughtfully evaluate:

  • The risk to vulnerable clients

  • Their duty to provide uninterrupted care

  • The ethical standards that guide their practice

This step demonstrates professional integrity and ethical reasoning, which is exactly what the ASWB exam is testing for.

Why the other answers are incorrect:

  • A might show advocacy, but jumping directly into action without considering client harm is ethically irresponsible.

  • B skips the ethical reflection process and assumes a hard stance without addressing the worker’s legitimate concerns or the ethical dilemma involved.

  • D blurs professional boundaries and could compromise confidentiality or agency policy, even if well-intentioned.

Ultimately, consulting the Code and considering all ethical angles is the best first step and a skill the ASWB exam wants you to demonstrate.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 3.10 Labor–Management Disputes

Q: Is Section 3.10 really likely to appear on the ASWB exam, or is it more of a niche topic?

A: Yes, Section 3.10 can absolutely appear on the ASWB exam. While it may seem like a more specific or niche topic, labor–management disputes raise critical ethical issues, which are central to the exam. The ASWB is designed to assess how well candidates understand and apply the NASW Code of Ethics in realistic scenarios.

Even if it’s not the most common topic, questions involving ethical conflicts at work, especially those related to strikes, union involvement, or professional responsibilities, fall squarely within this section. Knowing how to navigate these dilemmas sets you apart as a test-taker and as a professional.

Q: How do I prepare for questions about labor–management disputes if I’ve never worked in a unionized setting?

A: Even if you’ve never worked in a unionized or conflict-prone environment, you can still prepare effectively by focusing on ethical decision-making frameworks. The key is to understand what Section 3.10 emphasizes: staying informed, identifying conflicts of interest, and prioritizing client well-being above all.

Practice applying those concepts to hypothetical scenarios, even ones that feel unfamiliar. Tools like Agents of Change are especially helpful here. Their study materials, live groups, and real-world practice questions provide the context and repetition needed to feel confident answering these types of exam questions—even without direct work experience in a union setting.

Q: What if I personally support labor strikes—can I still make the ethically correct decision on the exam?

A: Absolutely. Personal beliefs are valid, but the ASWB exam isn’t testing your personal values. It’s testing your ability to apply the NASW Code of Ethics professionally, especially when personal views might conflict with ethical obligations. If a strike disrupts critical client services, for example, the ethically correct answer may require continuing care or seeking alternate ways to support the cause without compromising client safety.

The best strategy is to pause, reflect, and ask: What action protects the client while respecting ethical standards? When in doubt, always turn back to the Code.

5) Conclusion

Understanding Section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics on labor–management disputes is more important than many exam-takers realize. While it might seem like a background issue compared to clinical theory or direct practice, it speaks directly to the heart of ethical Social Work.

In real-life situations, Social Workers often find themselves navigating tensions between their workplace obligations and their professional values. The ASWB exam reflects this complexity by testing your ability to make ethical decisions in the face of competing responsibilities.

This section of the Code emphasizes thoughtful reflection, awareness of consequences, and a steady commitment to client well-being. The exam isn’t looking for a textbook response. It’s looking for a choice grounded in ethics, supported by a clear understanding of how to prioritize the people you serve. Whether you’re asked about going on strike, managing union pressure, or balancing your own values with your role as a service provider, Section 3.10 offers clear guidance.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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