Final answer:
Labor unions use collective bargaining to negotiate with employers on issues including wages, working conditions, and benefits. Strikes may also be leveraged to strengthen their position. The goal of unions is to improve employment terms for their members and balance the employer-employee power dynamic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Labor unions are organizations of workers that come together to negotiate terms of employment with employers. One of the primary means by which they achieve their goals is through the power of collective bargaining, which involves union representatives and company management discussing and agreeing on a labor contract. This process can cover a range of issues including wages, work rules, complaint procedures, promotions, benefits, workplace safety, and other policies. When necessary, unions may resort to strikes, which are organized work stoppages designed to reinforce their bargaining position.
The ultimate aim of labor unions in leveraging these tools is to improve the working conditions, salaries, and benefits for their members, as well as to establish a more balanced power dynamic between employees and employers within the labor market.