【正确答案】 B

【答案解析】[听力原文] 23-30
Man: Jane, I realize that the situation is getting worse. Our orders are about 23% down on the same period last year. I see no alternative., we've got to lay some of our people off.
Woman: So, do you need my help?
Man: Well, I'd like your advice on the legal situation. What we can do, what we can't do.
Woman: Of course. OK, um... let's look at the legal situation first.
Man: I'm going to make some notes.
Woman: So, if we want to lay one person off, then you must consult with both that person and the trade union. And, of course, we have to give notice.
Man: To the individual?
Woman: Yes, but we are not obliged to give notice to the union.
Man: I see. So that's the case for one person. Well, unfortunately we are talking about more than one.
Woman: Well, that's the position if the number is less than ten.
Man: I see.
Woman: If it's ten or more, and the employees are in a recognized union, then we are required to give written notice.
Man: To the individuals?
Woman: And to the union. We are not allowed to give less than 30 days' advance notice to the union if we want to make 10 or more people redundant. If a company proposes to make more than 100 employees redundant, it may not give less than 90 days'notice to the union.
Man: And then?
Woman: And then the law obliges us to consult with the union.
Man: Consult with? Does that mean negotiate?
Woman: Oh, no. We don't need to negotiate. But we must explain the situation, listen to their comments and reply to any question.
Man: I see. Right. So those are the requirements?
Woman: That's right. Have you calculated how many people we need to lose?
Man: 32, more or less, from the shopfloor. And our Managing Director is making us all submit plans to reduce costs by the end of the week.
Woman: Well, then we've got to do it.
Man: Yes, you're absolutely right.