- Definition
A labour union is a group of workers who join together to improve their jobs, like getting better pay or safer working conditions. They choose leaders to speak for them with their boss.
A union of teachers might negotiate with the school board for better classroom resources and fair pay for all teachers in the district.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A labour union is like a sports team captain who talks to the coach on behalf of the whole team to agree on fairer practice schedules.
Ask your child: If your class wanted a change, who would you choose to speak for the group?
Common mix-up: Many think unions are only about going on strike. Their main role is to negotiate contracts and solve problems collaboratively with employers.
Examples
- A union for grocery store workers bargaining for safer working conditions and more predictable schedules.
- Professional athletes have a players' union that negotiates their salaries and health benefits with the league owners.
labour union is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
