Legal Definitions - independent union

An independent union is a labor organization that operates autonomously, meaning it is not affiliated with, chartered by, or controlled by a larger national or international labor federation (such as the AFL-CIO in the United States or Unifor in Canada). While independent unions perform the same core functions as affiliated unions—representing employees, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and advocating for their members' interests—they do so entirely on their own. They manage their own finances, set their own policies, and make all decisions without oversight from a broader labor body.

• Example 1: Single-Company Employee Association
  Employees at "Global Tech Solutions," a software development firm, decide to form a union to negotiate for better benefits and work-life balance. Instead of joining an existing national union like the Communications Workers of America, they create the "Global Tech Solutions Employee Collective." This organization represents only the employees of that specific company, handles its own membership dues, elects its own leadership, and negotiates directly with Global Tech Solutions' management. It operates without any ties to a larger labor federation, making it an independent union.

• Example 2: Specialized Professional Guild
  A group of highly skilled graphic designers working across various advertising agencies in a major city forms the "Creative Arts Guild of Metropolis." Their goal is to establish industry-wide standards for compensation, intellectual property rights, and professional development unique to their craft. While there are larger unions that represent workers in media, the "Creative Arts Guild" chooses to remain unaffiliated, believing their specific professional needs are best served by an organization focused solely on their niche. They manage all their affairs, including negotiations and member services, independently, thus functioning as an independent union.

• Example 3: Breakaway Local Union
  Historically, a local chapter of a national manufacturing union, "Local 123 of the United Industrial Workers," became dissatisfied with the national leadership's focus and resource allocation. After a vote, the members decided to disaffiliate from the national organization and re-establish themselves as the "Midwest Manufacturing Employees' Alliance." This new entity then independently negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with their employer, focusing on issues specific to their regional plant. By severing ties with the larger body and operating entirely on its own, the "Midwest Manufacturing Employees' Alliance" became an independent union.