Final answer:
A union has the ability to negotiate higher wages and benefits for its members by acting as a collective bargaining unit with more bargaining power than individual workers. They can demand better pay and benefits from employers, and their influence on government policies can also lead to improved working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A union can have a significant impact on wages and benefits. One of the main effects of a union is that it can negotiate higher wages for its members. By acting as a collective bargaining unit, a union can demand better pay and benefits from employers on behalf of its members. This is because unions have more bargaining power than individual workers.
For example, if a union represents a large number of workers in a particular industry, employers may have to agree to higher wages and better benefits in order to attract and retain those workers. The union's ability to leverage the collective strength of its members gives it the power to negotiate favorable terms.
Furthermore, unions can also influence wages and benefits through their influence on government policies and labor laws. Unions may lobby for laws that protect workers' rights and improve working conditions, which can indirectly lead to better wages and benefits for workers.