what is a union worker

A union worker is a member of a trade union or labor union, which is an organization of workers formed to negotiate with employers over pay, benefits, scheduling, and other workplace policies and conditions. The primary purpose of a union is to represent the collective interests of workers in negotiations with employers, with the aim of improving pay, benefits, and working conditions. Union members work together to negotiate and enforce a contract with management that guarantees things like decent wages, affordable health care, job security, and a stable schedule. Unions may organize a particular section of skilled or unskilled workers, a cross-section of workers from various trades, or attempt to organize all workers within a particular industry. Union agreements are binding on the rank-and-file members and the employer, and in some cases on other non-member workers. Union members democratically elect their leaders who are then responsible for advocating for the good of the unit.