Final answer:
Labor unions are organizations that represent employees, aiming to improve wages, working conditions, and benefits through collective bargaining. They may organize strikes to enforce demands and play a crucial role in balancing employer-employee dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Are Labor Unions?
Labor unions are organizations that represent workers in various industries, aiming to improve wages, working conditions, and benefits for their members. They engage in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate employment contracts that serve the interests of union members. Often, if negotiations fail, unions may organize strikes or work stoppages to pressure employers into meeting their demands.
Functions of Labor Unions
The main functions of labor unions include:
- Negotiating wage increases and improved benefits
- Improving working conditions and safety standards
- Handling grievances between employees and management
- Ensuring fair labor practices
- Influencing legislation related to labor laws
Labor unions play a critical role in balancing the dynamics between employers and employees by enabling workers to negotiate collectively, thus offering a united front to advocate for better terms of employment.