Trade Unions: Definition, History, and Impact

Definition and purpose of trade unions

A trade union (labor union) is an organization of workers formed to maintain or improve the conditions of their employment. Its purpose includes securing better wages and benefits, improving working conditions and safety standards, setting up complaint procedures, and developing rules that govern employees’ status—such as promotions and protections around termination. Unions also aim to protect and increase workers’ bargaining power through collective bargaining with employers. Trade unions typically operate through elected leadership and bargaining committees that negotiate labor contracts (collective bargaining agreements) on behalf of members (“rank and file”). They are commonly funded by union dues, and workplace representatives are often volunteers chosen through internal democratic elections. Unions may organize specific groups of workers (e.g., craft unions), workers across trades (general unions), or all workers within an industry (industrial unions).

0/2 modes complete

Union dues and funding mechanisms

0/2 modes complete