Final answer:
Decisions about wages, hours, and other employment terms in a unionized company are made collectively through negotiations, known as collective bargaining. Labor unions work to secure better wages and conditions for their members. Sometimes, companies might respond to union demands by increasing automation or creating 'company unions' to appear to negotiate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a unionized company setting, decisions such as wages, hours, promotion, layoffs are made collectively through negotiations. This process is a part of collective bargaining, where a labor union represents its members to negotiate conditions of employment with the employer. Such negotiations can address not only wages but also work hours, benefits, workplace safety, and other employment terms.
Labor unions can influence companies to adjust wages, often pushing for higher pay. For instance, if a union negotiates a wage increase to $24 an hour, the company might respond by automating processes to maintain profitability, potentially reducing the number of workers needed. Alternatively, companies may form 'company unions' to present the illusion of negotiations while lacking the power of a true independent union.
Ultimately, the collective action of employees in a union can secure better working conditions and terms of employment than an individual might achieve alone. The historical struggle for worker rights and the use of strategies like strikes have been essential tools in these endeavors.