Labor Union Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Labor Union - Research Paper Example Usually, the agreements reached by the union leadership are ever binding on the file and rank members as well as to the employer. In some cases, the negotiations incorporate the plight of non-member workers. Labor unions originated from Europe and became popular in several countries, particularly during the industrial revolution. During this period, there was no skilled labor and most jobs shifted employment to bargain power entirely to the side of employers (Munck, 2004). This shift led to mistreat of many workers while other were being underpaid. Labor union organizations may comprise of individual professionals, workers, past workers, and the unemployed. (Benson, 2008) Nonetheless, their most common means or the main purpose of these organizations is to â€Å"improve or maintain the working conditions of its members or the employment† (International Labour Office, 2008). For the past three hundred years or so, labor unions have developed numerous ways advocating for their members. These activities vary and they include benefit provision to members: ancient labor unions such as the Friendly Societies, used to provide varied benefits aimed at insuring members against illness, old age, unemployment, and funeral expenses (Wagner, 2007). However, due to the current developments among states, these activities have been assumed by the government. For instance, in developed countries, the state has assumed the same functions. However, members’ professional training provision, representation and legal representation are still a vital benefit of the labor union membership. Secondly, the trade union through (Benson, 2008) it leadership plays the role of collective bargaining. In this case, the labor union is capable of operating openly; thus, are recognized by employers. In collective bargaining, the union often negotiates with employers over the plight of employees, especially on then issues regarding wages and working conditions. Thirdly, unions are often interested in the industrial action: the union may opt to enforce strikes or boycott or resistance to lockouts with the main intension of furthering some specific goals (Roth, 2010). Fourth in the list is the involvement on the labor union in political activities. The labor union may sometimes opt to promote certain legislations that would intern be in the interest of workers or its members. (Wagner, 2007) In order to achieve such, the union may pursue campaigns, support individual candidate financially, undertake lobbying, or support a party for a political office; particularly if such a party supports the interest of workers. For instance, the labor unions in Britain often support the Labour Party since the party serves the interest of workers or the union members. It is worth noting that union laws vary per country. This is also true with their functions. Additionally, the re lationship between the unions and political parties varies. In most countries, the union share leadership with some political parties or they are tightly bonded with such political parties that are perceived as serving the interest of workers. Typically such scenarios may be regarded as left wing, social democratic party, or socialist; however some exceptions exist (Fink, 1977). Notably, the employment laws structures normally affect the roles of the unions as