Final answer:
The purpose of organizational picketing is to obtain employer recognition of the union as a bargaining representative, which allows the union to negotiate labor contracts and work conditions on behalf of its members.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of organizational picketing is most accurately described as an effort by a labor union to obtain employer recognition of the union as a bargaining representative. This practice is part of the broader context in which labor unions operate to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits for their members. Organizational picketing can serve multiple functions, including bringing awareness to the public about the union's efforts, but its primary goal is to secure formal recognition from the employer, which then allows the union to enter into collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the workers it represents.
Considering the context that labor unions seek to improve the livelihoods of workers and have historically had to overcome public skepticism and legislative hurdles, it becomes evident that the ultimate goal of organizational picketing is to establish a formal role in the employer-employee relationship. It is through the achieving of this recognition that unions can exercise their ability to negotiate labor contracts effectively, which can include agreeing on work rules, complaint procedures, promotions, workplace safety, policies, and other employment terms.
Therefore, the correct option in the final answer to the student's question is D. Obtain employer recognition of the union as a bargaining representative.