A group of
employees in a certain company or with a certain skill who unite in a single body for purposes of negotiating
wages,
benefits, working conditions, and other issues with
management. Members of an organized labor group must ratify decisions made by their representatives with management. Proponents of organized labor argue that it creates better working environments and played a significant role in creating the middle class in many countries. Critics contend that it creates
economic inefficiency and can drive companies out of business with employees' high demands. In the United States, organized labor is regulated by the
National Labor Relations Board. An organized labor group is called a union. See also:
Strike.