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Labor unions seem to always be in the news. Whether it's the teachers' union, the dock workers' union, or the truck drivers' union, someone always seems to be on strike. With press like that, it is easy to see why the United States doesn't have a very favorable opinion of what labor unions are or what they do. The truth is that labor unions are an important component of the American political landscape and if you work in a field that has one, it has done a lot to make sure you receive a fair wage and are in a safe workplace. If you have recently joined a union like the Western Steel Council but aren't quite sure why you did, read on for more information about the role this organization plays in improving your life. A Brief History Even though they get bad press, labor unions are American staples. They play just as big a part in American culture as do baseball and apple pie. Unions sprang out of a need to put the rich and powerful in check and hold them accountable to the working class. They arose to combat such abuses as long hours, hazardous working conditions, and even child labor. While many of the evils that existed at the dawn of the industrial revolution have been stamped out in the United States, concerns over pay, benefits, and safety are still very real and workers need a well-funded champion to look after their interests. An Example of Collective Bargaining The whole idea behind the formation of a union is that as individuals, workers have little or no sway with an employer; but as a group, they have the power to change their working conditions. For example, say that John Steelworker decided that he wasn't being paid fairly for the amount and/or type of work he was doing. As an individual, he could go to his employer and demand a raise but if the employer doesn't feel like giving him more money, there isn't anything he can do about it since he can easily be replaced. If, on the other hand, John and some of his friends decide they want better pay, they can all go to the employer and threaten to quit unless he or she meets their demands. While the employer can afford to lose one employee, he or she certainly can't afford for all of their employees to walk off the job at the same time, so they are more likely to negotiate the terms of employment. A union is that group of friends. Unionizing a Workplace If you're unfamiliar with unions, you probably don't understand how they come to be. In the United States, any group of workers can decide to unionize. There are two ways that workers can form a union: through voluntary recognition by the employer or by employee vote. If the majority of the employees vote for union representation, then their employer must negotiate terms in "good faith," which means he or she must honestly try to work with the union representative to reach an agreement. It is important to note, however, that no employer is legally bound to agree to anything, which is why some union strikes last such a long time. In most cases, however, the union and the employer come to an agreement within a reasonable amount of time. A Collective Bargaining Agreement Once the labor union and employer have come to an agreement, they sign what is called a collective bargaining agreement and neither side can change any element of the agreement without the permission of the designated representative from the other side. For more information about unionization, contact the Western Steel Council or the local union in the industry you work in.
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