According to the audio, which topics were discussed in the previous negotiations between Bruno and the labor union (in the 'collective bargaining agreement')?

Shorter working hours.

This is incorrect. Although the issue of working hours is exactly the kind of topic that would be discussed at a union negotiation meeting, this was not actually discussed at the previous meeting with Leonard and Bruno.

Staff training.

This is incorrect. Staff training (French lessons) is the main purpose of Leonard's visit, but it was not discussed at the previous meeting between Bruno and Leonard. When Leonard says 'My people want professional training, French lessons specifically', he is asking for language courses in the future.

Better sports facilities.

This is incorrect. Although sports facilities (such as a company gym or a ping pong table) are reasonable topics of conversation in a union negotiation meeting, this was not discussed at the previous meeting with Leonard and Bruno.

Benefits for married couples.

This is correct. Bruno says to Leonard 'Last year, we approved a salary increase, a pension fund, a new health plan with the best HMO in California and even spousal benefits!' This means that in the previous negotiations Bruno had with Leonard, the Delavigne Corporation agreed to give 'spousal benefits'. 'Spousal' is an adjective which describes anything relating to a 'spouse'. A 'spouse' is a partner in marriage (a husband or wife) and one half of a 'married couple'.

A pay rise.

This is correct. Bruno says to Leonard 'Last year, we approved a salary increase, a pension fund, a new health plan with the best HMO in California and even spousal benefits!' A 'salary' is another word for a 'wage', and a 'rise' is an 'increase'. Note that a 'wage rise' is commonly used in British English, with the American equivalent being a 'pay raise', or simply a 'raise'.

Retirement benefits.

This is correct. Bruno says to Leonard 'Last year, we approved... a pension fund.' 'A pension fund' refers to a sum of money set aside by an employer for the use of the employee when he or she retires. This money generally increases in value and in many cases is accessible to the employee after they have worked for a certain amount of time. For example: Police are entitled to a generous pension after they have worked for at least 20 years.

Pension fund meaning in English

Definition

Examples

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