What is a public sector labor union?
A public-sector trade union (or public-sector labor union) is a trade union which primarily represents the interests of employees within public sector or governmental organizations.
Do government employees have unions?
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is an American labor union representing over 670,000 employees of the federal government, about 5,000 employees of the District of Columbia, and a few hundred private sector employees, mostly in and around federal facilities.
How many public sector unions are there?
7.2 million public sector union
Public sector union rates also increased to 34.8 percent from 33.6 percent. Public sector union membership remains about five times that of the private sector, but on a pure numbers basis, there are 7.2 million public sector union members as compared to 7.1 million private sector union workers.
What is the point of public sector unions?
Public-sector unions fight against school choice, privatization, and many other policies that can improve government efficiency. Like other private groups, unions have free speech rights to voice their opinions about public policy.
Why do public sector unions even exist?
Unions are needed in the public sector to help prevent the political bosses from giving jobs to their supporters and family members. Unions are also an institution which demands equal treatment and justice. Without them, a lone employee often would not be able to challenge his or her discharge in arbitration or in court.
What is the largest public sector union?
With more than 1.6 million active and retired members, AFSCME is the largest public sector union in the United States.
What companies have unions?
Still, it’s worth pointing out some of the many, many successful American companies that have unions, such as Southwest Airlines, United Parcel Service, Caterpillar, Walt Disney, Verizon, Harley-Davidson, Ford Motor Company, and Boeing.
What is a private sector union?
Private unions represent the interests of workers in the private sector, which is made up of members who work in non-governmental industries. These unions seek to protect the rights and interests of workers from corporate abuse. On the other hand, public sector employees, such as teachers,…
