Unions

Unions are voluntary associations of workers that seek to represent their members in discussions and negotiations with employers over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment terms. They may negotiate collective bargaining agreements that establish legally binding terms and provide members with legal recourse and grievance procedures.

Unions developed in the 19th and 20th centuries in response to industrialization and the growth of factory work. They vary in form, including craft unions that organize workers of a specific trade, industrial unions that cover all workers in a particular industry, and general unions that accept workers from multiple trades. National laws govern organizing rights, recognition, and what constitutes unfair labor practices, while unions may operate through local lodges, regional bodies, and national or international federations.

Core activities include collective bargaining, contract negotiation, grievance handling, and workplace safety advocacy. Unions may also engage in political lobbying, public campaigns, and training for members. They fund activities through member dues, fees, and sometimes employer or government support, and they typically offer services such as legal assistance, job placement, and professional development.

Governance is usually democratic, with elected representatives at local and national levels and regular member participation in decision-making. The structure, authority, and influence of unions differ across countries and sectors, reflecting varying legal frameworks for organizing, recognizing unions, collective bargaining, and the right to strikes.

Criticism and debate surrounding unions focus on concerns about economic flexibility, cost to employers, and potential impacts on productivity, balanced against arguments that unions promote fair wages, safer workplaces, and stronger worker rights. The overall effect of unions depends on context, including labor market conditions and regulatory environment.