What Do Unions Want?

We can generalize by saying that unions have two sets of aims, for union security and for improved wages, hours, working conditions, and benefits for their members. First and probably foremost, unions seek security for themselves. They fight hard for the right to represent a firm’s workers, and to be the exclusive bar-gaining agent for all employees in the unit.

Union shop. The company can hire nonunion people, but they must join the union after a prescribed period and pay dues. These account for about 73% of union contracts. Agency shop. Employees who do not belong to the union still must pay the union an amount equal to union dues (on the assumption that the union’s efforts benefit all the workers). Preferential shop. Union members get preference in hiring, but the employer can still hire nonunion members.

Maintenance of membership arrangement. Employees do not have to belong to the union. However, union members employed by the firm must maintain membership in the union for the contract period. These account for about 4% of union agreements. Not all states give unions the right to require union membership as a condition of employment. Right to work is a term used to describe state statutory or constitutional provisions banning the requirement of union membership as a condition of employment. Right-to-work laws don’t outlaw unions.

They do outlaw (within those states) any form of union security. Recently, there were 28 right-to-work states. Right to work adversely affects union membership levels. Once the union ensures its security at the employer, it fights to improve its members’ wages, hours, working conditions, and benefits. The typical labor agreement also gives the union a role in other human resource activities.