Many organizations today face the issues of trade unions and labor relations. Larger corporations are more likely to deal with these issues on a larger more frequent scale as where smaller organizations do not. Defining the difference between unions and labor relations and the impact they have on organizations is one of the first issues this paper will seek to discuss. Next, an examination of how the changes in employee relations strategies, policies, and practices influence organizational performance will be discussed. The last topic for discussion is whether unions are still relevant in the United States. Further reading will discuss these topics and the many aspects they present to both employees and organizations.
Trade unions are “a continuous association of wage-earners for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment” (Trade Union, 2007). Unions are typically formed because employees feel that his or her needs and interests do not get enough consideration from management (Gerhart, Hollenbeck, Wright, and Noe, 2004, pg. 441). Early trade unions often provided a range of benefits to insure members against unemployment, ill health, old age and funeral expenses. Although now those items are usually provided by the state; however, legal advice, representation, and professional training for members is still a major benefit for union members (Trade Union, 2007). Unions are able to operate openly; they may negotiate with the employer over wages and working conditions. Unions can organize strikes and promote legislation favorable to the members or workers interests. “To this end they may pursue campaigns, undertake lobbying, or financially support individual candidates or parties (such as the Labour Party in Britain) for ...