Labor Unions & Public Policy

Labor unions began in earnest in the United States in the early 20th century, formed to protect workers' rights. Unions are active in various aspects of public policy related to issues regarding the workplace and worker well-being.

National Labor Relations Act

• The National Labor Relations Act was an important piece of public policy that formalized issues related to worker unions and employers. The act protects worker rights to self-organize, form or join unions, bargain collectively regarding wages and to advocate for better conditions.

Ties to the Democrat Party

• Labor unions typically contribute to the Democrat party and its candidates. In 2010, according to "The Hill," two of the major unions spent $100 million on Democratic congressional candidates. With this financial influence, unions hope to curry favor with Democrats in office. President Barack Obama publicly stated in summer 2010 that he would pursue a union-friendly agenda, as reported by Bloomberg News.

Employee Free Choice Act

• The Employee Free Choice Act, introduced in 2009, was expected by some to pass easily, with a Democratic congress and president. As of November 2010, it has not. The bill would make it easier for workers to form unions by allowing a majority of workers in a workplace to sign authorization cards indicating a union as their representative. Opponents claim the bill would remove the right to secret ballot for workers.