Section 7 rights apply to which of the following groups?

• A. Private sector employees
• B. Public sector employees
• C. Private sector employees only; public sector not covered
• D. Government contractors

Answer: (C)

Section 7 rights protect the ability of private-sector employees to organize, form or join unions, and engage in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection. These rights come from the National Labor Relations Act and apply to workers employed by private employers, including those working for private companies that contract with the government. They do not cover government workers, who are governed by public-sector laws and agencies. Because of this scope, Section 7 rights belong to private sector employees only, and public sector employees aren’t covered by this provision. Government contractors fall under private sector since they are employees of private companies, so their workers are protected under Section 7.