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Chapter 9 Response: Labor Unions

An organization of employees who band together to protect their rights and interests in the

workplace, notably in the areas of compensation, benefits, and working conditions, is referred to

as a "labor union." Before the formation of labor unions, the employees were surviving under the

strict rules of their employers. It is only the moment that the trade unions that were formed that

the employees got people who could raise their grievances on their behalf. On the other hand,

employers felt that the employees would be taking advantage of the unions to frustrate them.

Nevertheless, for equal treatment and fair remuneration among other benefits, the unions have

always been a positive tool for the employees and the employers. For example Freeman reduces

cost of wages by making an arrangement with a union that provides employees only when there

is a need. If an employer fails to listen to the union, the union advices its members to go on strike

to push for the response of the employees. Such strikes affect employers causing heavy losses

and bringing down the reputation of the company. From research conducted, it is evident that

employees only complain if they are underpaid, overworked or even lack some insurance covers.

These are genuine grievances but employers have been evading them to avoid extra expenses.

However, the ultimate results have been more damage to their businesses. Therefore the core

labor- management issues that has been a thorn in the fresh of the employees is the failure of the

employers to listen to them. With good human relations, a company will understand the needs of
its employees before they even bring it forth. Although the unions have always been deemed as

rebellious grouping that is out to frustrate the employers, they have come as a rescue to the

employees. Those companies that have embraced the efforts of the unions has had peaceful time

because they get to benefit from them.