Unions and Labor Relations Danielle Hofer University of Phoenix MGT 431 Michael Hedrick February 21, 2012

Unions Unions have been a part of the workforce since the 1800s .Unions offer representation to employees to support their interests and to provide a bargaining process, which provides a way to assist in managing conflict between managers and employees. Union employees perceive unions as a way of attaining a voice to further working relationships within an organization and with his or her job. Unions are beneficial for employees but for employers as well. Labor unions with various workers focus on the social and economic welfare of the union members. Labor unions negotiate between the union members and the company for which he or she is an employee. The negotiations include employee contracts, wages, benefits, and working conditions. Unions have provided benefits to ensure employees against layoffs, illness, retirement, and funeral expenses. Generally these benefits are mandatory in each state; however, the member can still receive advice, representation, and training for some of the key benefits. Unions have the greatest power known as collective bargaining. Collective bargaining allows members to negotiate with employers as a group, rather than as an individual. Private and Public Sectors In the private sector the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 established basic rights for employees and employers. Also created was the National Labor Relations Board, their primary function states that “to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices.” In the public