Final answer:
In the unionization process, workers first vote to unionize, followed by the union's certification. Once certified, the union engages in collective bargaining with the employer to negotiate a labor contract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical unionization process in the United States generally follows a structured sequence of actions that progress from initial organizing efforts to actual negotiations of a labor contract. First, workers who aim to form a union announce this intention and an election is set for employees to vote via secret ballot on whether to unionize. If a majority of workers vote in favor of the union, it moves to the next phase known as certification, where a labor union is officially recognized as the bargaining agent for the workers.
Once certification is achieved, the union enters into collective bargaining, which is a critical phase where the union and employer's management negotiate terms and conditions of employment, leading to a labor contract. This step often includes discussions on wages, work rules, complaint procedures, promotions, benefits, and workplace safety. The goal of collective bargaining is to reach a mutually agreeable contract that addresses the concerns of both parties. The contract negotiation is the hallmark of organized labor's efforts to protect and advance the interests of workers.