Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Practice Exam

The ruling in United Steelworkers v. Weber revolved around the concept of affirmative action in the context of union practices. The case involved a dispute where a white employee claimed that his employer's training program allocated slots disproportionately to African American employees, which he believed constituted reverse discrimination.

The court ultimately ruled in favor of the union and the employer, emphasizing that the voluntary affirmative action plan was designed to rectify past discriminatory practices. This decision underscored the legality of such measures when they aim to address historical imbalances and promote diversity, reinforcing the notion that affirmative action programs can be implemented without violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

This ruling is significant as it illustrates the balance between protecting individual rights against discrimination while allowing organizations to take proactive steps to promote equity among historically underrepresented groups.