What's the purpose of labor unions?

A prime objective of labor unions is to secure maximum pay for members. Labor activists believe that employees have a share in the company's success and that they should be rewarded for increases in productivity. read more

In practice, the purpose of a labor union is to unify workers under one banner and to act as a collective bargaining unit representing workers whenever they negotiate a new contract with management. When used for this purpose, a labor union can be very effective in enhancing conditions for the working person. read more

Modern day unions have roots in craft guilds and trades unions. In much of the English-speaking world, "trade union" is still the usual term. The extent to which unions achieve their purpose is largely dependant on government. read more