Organized Labor
Candlefocus EditorThe right to unionize is an internationally recognized human right and is protected in various countries under their national constitutions. For example, the United States constitution and labor laws provide workers the right to bargain collectively. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a quasi-judicial U.S. government agency, administers and enforces labor law, determines the legality of union actions and activities, registers labor organizations, and protects the privacy of workers involved in union activity.
In most countries, workers must collect a set number of signatures before they are allowed to hold a union election in their workplace. These signatures are obtained independently or through union representatives. In addition, the election must be held according to the country's laws and regulations.
Union formation is often used to combat wage stagnation and as a way to ensure that workers are receiving adequate pay and benefits. Companies may try to dissuade workers from unionizing by threatening wage stagnation, reduced benefits, or layoffs. Such threats are illegal in the United States and in many other countries, however workers may still be pressured to not join a union.
Various labor laws have been implemented over the years to protect the rights of organized workers. For example, the OSHA law in the United States requires safety programs and regulated hazards in the workplace, while the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) ensures that workers receive a federal minimum wage, time and a half pay for overtime, and other guaranteed labor benefits.
Organized labor has been essential in raising wages, reducing labor hours, and obtaining improved benefits for workers. By collectively bargaining with employers, union workers are able to secure better wages and benefits that would be unavailable if they bargained only as individuals. In the end, organized labor is the means by which workers can protect their collective rights and ensure that their voices are heard in the workplace.