What exactly is a Labor Union a group

What exactly is a Labor Union? a group of individuals who work together to achieve shared job-related goals

Why do workers form unions? To achieve shared job-related goals. Unions were created in response to the harsh treatment of workers by management.

What is Collective Bargaining? the process by which union leaders and managers negotiate common terms and conditions of the workers represented by the union.

Who participates in a collective bargaining session? Union Reps Management

How does Collective Bargaining work? 1. Union representatives meet with management and both parties present their demands. 2. They enter the bargaining zone where they compromise. Each side gives a little to the other side. It’s a give-and-take process. 3. When both sides come to an agreement, that agreement is submitted to all the union members for a vote. If they approve it, the agreement is said to be ratified. The agreement goes into action.

So what happens if they (labor and management) CANNOT come to an agreement? Option #1 - Arbitration (usually “voluntary” arbitration): a neutral third party who dictates a settlement between the two sides who have agreed to submit to outside judgment

More Options Option #2 - Picketing: workers march in front of the entrance to a facility with signs indicating the reasons for striking Option #3 - Strike: workers temporarily walk off the job and refuse to work

Management also has a few options: Option #1 - Lockout: employers deny employees access to the workplace Option #2 – Hire Strikebreakers (Crossing the picket line): a worker hired as a replacement for a striking employee

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT UNIONS IN THE NEWS?