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The Impact of Labor Relations and Unions

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Introduction The impact of unions exceeds the direct benefits enjoyed by member workers. Changes brought about in the workplace through the influence of labor unions have been substantial and far-reaching. Labor unions have effected the perceptions of members of societies with regard to fair wages and total compensation, fringe benefits, workplace safety and protections, and acceptable parameters for workers with regard to age, gender, race, and nation of origin (Mishel & Walters, 2003). Regardless of their labor or professional associations, members of society owe a debt to labor unions for their undaunted pursuit of legislation that serves to protect workers and establish basic worker rights. Some of the gains achieved by labor unions in this regard include: Health and safety regulations, overtime rules, and the provision of medical and family leave to workers (Mishel & Walters, 2003). That these regulations exist, and are enforced by state and federal agencies, is a direct result of the relentless lobbying of union members often at peril of their own lives. Unions strive to keep their workers informed about their rights and the regulations that are designed to protect those rights (Mishel & Walters, 2003). Labor union members are more likely to benefit from federal social insurance programs (i.e., workers' compensation and unemployment insurance) because they are informed about these programs and because labor unions purposefully conduct lay-offs and the follow-up to

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