Final answer:
Collective bargaining is a negotiation process where workers and employers agree on employment conditions, and the process of forming a union differs between countries. In the U.S., a vote is needed, while in Canada, a simple card sign-up is sufficient. The historical context of U.S. labor laws shows fluctuating support for unionization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Collective Bargaining and Union Formation
Collective bargaining is a negotiation process between employers and union representatives with the aim to establish fair terms and conditions of employment. The right to collective bargaining was legally recognized during the Great Depression as part of the labor laws, leading to the formal legalization of the labor movement. Meanwhile, striking refers to workers' refusal to work until their demands are met, which can be controversial, especially in the public sector where it might be illegal in certain regions.
The process of forming a union varies greatly between countries. For instance, in the United States, workers must vote during an election to decide on forming a union, which involves campaigns for and against unionization. In contrast, Canadian workers can establish a union by having a certain percentage of the workforce (approximately 60%) sign an official card indicating they want to form a union; no separate election is needed. Canadian management is also more restricted in lobbying against a union than in the U.S. because of different labor laws.
Historically, U.S. attitudes towards unions have shifted over time. Post World War II, the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 allowed workers to choose not to participate in unions, leading to a decline in union membership after an initial rise during the 1930s tied to the National Labor Relations Act of 1935.