Final answer:
The sentence is completed with 'trade unions,' groups formed by workers to engage in collective bargaining with employers. Trade unions have been integral in advocating for workers' rights and negotiating for better working conditions and wages.
Step-by-step explanation:
As companies grew larger, workers formed national groups called trade unions to help them bargain with owners more effectively. The main answer to the sentence completion is A) trade unions. Trade unions and labor unions are organizations where workers unite to collectively bargain for better wages, work conditions, and benefits. Unions, such as the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), have historically played a critical role in advancing workers' rights and protections. They negotiate on behalf of their members with employers to settle disputes regarding pay, health care, and insurance coverage. Furthermore, unions may attempt to influence legislation to strengthen their bargaining power in discussions with business organizations.Labor unions have been crucial in aiding workers to secure modest reforms and negotiate for improvements in workplace conditions. While some companies have established groups resembling unions, these often lack the power of independent trade unions and serve more to uphold management interests. The history of unions shows persistent efforts to organize workers, from skilled artisans to unskilled laborers, battling challenges such as public opinion against strikes to laws that are less favorable for union organization. Overall, unions have contributed to a significant shift in labor dynamics and the socioeconomic landscape for working Americans.