A union is an organized group of employees who join together to protect and negotiate their rights around wages, benefits, workplace safety, and other employment conditions.
In the US, the right to unionize is protected by law, and unions themselves must follow regulations to ensure they fairly represent their members.
Types of Labor Unions
Unions are generally organized around workers with shared skills, industries, or goals. Common categories include:
- Trade unions – Represent workers with a specific craft or trade (e.g., nurses, electricians).
- Industrial unions – Represent employees across an industry (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing).
- Public service unions – Represent employees in public-facing roles (e.g., teachers, firefighters).
In 2023, unions represented roughly 14.4 million US workers.
How Do Unions Work?
Unions are democratic bodies, run by elected leaders who represent all members. Workers typically pay union dues, which fund activities like collective bargaining and legal support. Unions operate under laws such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).
Notable examples include the National Education Association (NEA), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
What Is Collective Bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process where unions and employers negotiate workplace issues, resulting in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a legally binding contract that applies to all workers covered, even non-union members. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) often helps facilitate negotiations.
How to Start a Union
Employees can unionize in two main ways:
- Voluntary recognition – If most employees show support (via signed authorization cards/petitions), employers can recognize the union without a vote.
- NLRB election – If recognition is denied, employees may petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a secret-ballot election. A majority vote (50% + 1) leads to certification.
Employers are legally prohibited from retaliating against employees for union activity, such as cutting pay, reducing hours, or imposing stricter work rules.
Benefits of Union Jobs
- Higher pay and stronger benefits packages
- Greater job security and safer working conditions
- Reduced wage gaps across gender and race
- Stronger employee voice in workplace decisions
Drawbacks of Union Jobs
- Mandatory union dues for members
- Collective agreements may limit flexibility for individuals
- Potential strikes can disrupt operations and income
- Employers may face reduced productivity and difficulty rewarding top performers
Bottom line: Unions give employees a collective voice, protect workplace rights, and improve conditions. However, both workers and employers must weigh the trade-offs of unionized vs. non-union workplaces.
