There are several reasons workers join or form unions.
- At-Will Employment vs. Working under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Absent a contract stating otherwise, employees are presumed to be at-will employees. That is, they’re employed at the will of their employer. Their employer unilaterally sets all the terms and conditions of employment, can change them ant time it wants and for any reason it wants. An employee’s only choice is “take-it or leave-it.”
- By Contrast, workers who form unions and negotiate a contract with their employer are employed under the terms and conditions of that contract, or CBA. The employer cannot change to the terms and conditions of the contract without the union agreeing to those changes, and is legally bound to honor that contract.