Final answer:
Grievance hearings and negotiation of union contracts are key functions of labor unions, which focus on securing improved working conditions, wages, and benefits for workers through collective bargaining and, if needed, strikes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grievance hearings and the negotiation of union contracts are examples of activities typically associated with labor unions. These unions intensively work towards improving working conditions, securing fair wages, and ensuring benefits for their members. They make use of collective bargaining and, if necessary, strikes to achieve their goals. In grievance hearings, unions represent workers and argue their cases before an employer or an arbitration board. During contract negotiations, unions engage in discussions with employers to reach an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
Historically, labor unions have played a crucial role in advocating for worker rights, with examples such as the 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike demonstrating their influence. They have also faced opposition, such as from company-controlled 'unions' that attempt to undermine independent labor unions, or legislative actions aimed at limiting collective bargaining rights, such as those proposed by Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin.
The importance of these organizations is codified in policies that guide how unions are established, governed by bodies like the National Labor Relations Board responsible for resolving disputes.