Final answer:
The correct answer is option c) Because it provides them with more bargaining power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Workers might prefer collective bargaining instead of negotiating with employers one on one for several reasons. Primarily, this approach provides them with more bargaining power. When workers unite, they can present a unified front and negotiate more effectively for higher wages, better working conditions, and other benefits. In contrast, individual workers lack the strength and influence that a collective group can offer. This is in line with the concept that there is often strength in numbers, and workers can often face common issues that affect their entire industry.
Collective bargaining can also lead to outcomes that benefit the group as a whole, such as better workplace safety standards, health benefits, and job security. Historically, businesses have lobbied against collective bargaining, often arguing for individual freedom, but labor leaders contend that this was an effort to undermine the collective power of unions. The existence of a labor union fundamentally changes the dynamics of negotiation, as it equalizes the natural advantage employers have in bargaining.
When comparing the United States to other high-income countries, the share of U.S. workers whose wages are determined by union bargaining is generally lower. This trend stems from various factors, including historical, political, and legislative influences, and reflects a long-term decline in American union membership.
The decline in union membership in the U.S. may also be partially due to the passage of worker protection laws. As laws concerning work conditions, overtime, and parental leave were established, some workers felt that the need for unions diminished, although unions played a crucial role in advocating for these protections.