Labor Union Definition
Labor union, in simpler words, is an organized association of workers, often in a trade or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests; a trade union.
Working class groups play a key part in shaping the relationship between employers and employees in the complex web of business dynamics.
Let’s go into great detail about how important labor unions are for businesses, showing how they affect the way companies work, workers’ rights, and the economy as a whole.
Here, we will discover:
What is the Labor Union?
A labor union is a group of workers who work together to negotiate for the benefits of all its members with their bosses. Unions talk to employers on behalf of their members about pay, perks, and working conditions. They also look out for the best interests of individuals when people lose their jobs. In most cases, labor unions are run by a board of directors that members pick.
How do Labor Unions Work?
Labor unions are democratic because members vote for officers who are then responsible for making choices that are good for the members. The employees pay dues to the union, and in return, the union speaks up for the employees. Labor unions are usually specific to one field. Today, people who work for the government, in transportation, or in utilities are most likely to be in a union.
Difference Between Union and Labor Union
Labor unions and unions are not the same things in one important way. Unions are groups of workers from the same company or business. Labor unions, on the other hand, are groups of workers from specific trades or professions, like plumbers, electricians, or carpenters. In addition, unions usually let anyone join who meets the requirements, while labor unions usually only let workers in a certain job join. Finally, labor unions tend to be more aggressive when negotiating with companies. This is because unions are more concerned with protecting workers’ rights.
Labor Union Example
The National Education Association (NEA) is the biggest labor group in the US, with almost 3 million members. Its members are teachers and other people who work in education.
It speaks for public school teachers, substitute teachers, college professors, education support workers, managers, retired teachers, and students who want to become teachers.
Among other things, the NEA works with local and state school systems to make sure that its members get fair pay and good working conditions.
Unfair Labor Practices by Companies
The National Labor Relations Act bans employers from engaging in specific actions:
- Not letting employees join or organize unions in a company. In the majority of cases, these employers are supervisors who issue threats, question workers who mention labor rights and mislead unionization-minded employees with lies.
- Employers cannot dominate or give improper aid to a union. It is not authorized for them to create unions, or interfere with those belonging to a labour organization.
- Employers cannot replace workers who strike against unfair labor practices. They cannot be discriminated against or discouraged over membership in any labor organization.
- Employers must not refuse to bargain with workers, elected representatives, or unions.
- Being part of a hot cargo agreement wherein the employer promises to refrain from doing business with another person who has a dispute with a union.
- An employer is prohibited from terminating or engaging in discriminatory practices towards an employee with regard to their employment terms and circumstances, solely based on the employee’s act of filing complaints or charges against the employer and providing testimony.
Unfair Labor Practices by Unions
Other than companies, the National Labor Relations Act says unions can’t do the following:
- Using threats to restrain or force workers who don’t want to join a group to do so.
- Engaging in strikes, boycotts, or other coercive activities for an illegal purpose.
- Refusing to deal collectively in good faith, such as by not listening to any of the employer’s ideas.
- Making or trying to make a boss treat workers unfairly in order to encourage or discourage them from joining a union.
- They are trying to get their boss to pay them for work that hasn’t been done. It is against the law to do this, which is called featherbedding.
- Picketing, striking, or a general stoppage of work at any health care facility without giving the facility and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service the notice that is needed.
- If an employer, worker, or union thinks that an unfair labor practice has happened at a company, they can file a report or charge with the NLRB.
Don’t forget that you have to make a complaint within six months of the event.