Understanding Labor Unions and Collective Bargaining

Unions Labor union An organized group of workers that bargains with employers

to improve its members pay, job, security and working conditions

Created when workers perceive a conflict between their needs and the need of employers

Why Workers unionize: To achieve better wages, benefits, and working conditions

To gain job protections that they might not have as individuals To balance power with management

Workers will only unionize when they believe collective power can address perceived inequities

Union structure Unions often resemble a pyramid with locals at the bottom serving workers in a geographic

area National unions coordinate broader negotiation and political efforts