HR Glossary

Union

What is a Union?

A union is an organization of workers who have banded together to negotiate working conditions, wages, and benefits. Unions are typically formed when a majority of employees in a particular workplace sign union cards or petitions stating that they wish to be represented by the union. Once the union is formed, it becomes the employees’ exclusive representative in negotiations with the employer.

What are the benefits of a Union?

The benefits of a Union are many. Unions can negotiate better wages and benefits for their members, as well as better working conditions. Union members also tend to have more job security than non-union members. Union members also have the power to go on strike if they feel their rights are being violated. Additionally, unions can provide a sense of community and support for their members.

What are the risks of a Union?

There are a few risks associated with unions in the workplace. One is that a union can actually limit the company’s ability to make changes or adjustments to its workforce. For example, if the company wants to reduce its workforce, a union may fight against that and make it difficult or impossible for the company to do so. Additionally, unions can often be quite costly for companies, both in terms of money and in terms of lost productivity. Finally, unions can sometimes create a hostile work environment, where employees are more concerned with the union than with their work.

How do you build a Union?

Unions are formed when workers come together to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The first step is for a group of workers to come together and form a union committee. This committee can then begin to talk to other workers about the benefits of unionization and collect signatures from workers who support the union. Once the committee has enough signatures, they can petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a union election. If a majority of workers vote in favor of the union, the NLRB will certify the union and it will become the official bargaining agent for the workers. The union will then negotiate a contract with the employer that covers wages, benefits, and working conditions.

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