Why do labor unions exist?

Labor unions exist primarily to create power through solidarity among workers. This collective action enables members to negotiate more effectively with employers for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security than individuals could achieve on their own. By banding together, union members can amplify their voices, thus increasing their bargaining power.

This solidarity not only benefits individual workers but also contributes to a wider improvement in labor standards and protections. The united front presented by a union allows members to advocate for their rights and interests more forcefully and effectively than if they were acting as isolated individuals in the workplace. This ability to present a cohesive stance in negotiations is fundamental to the function and purpose of labor unions.