Legal Definitions - industrial union

An industrial union is a type of labor union that organizes and represents all workers within a particular industry or company, regardless of their specific trade, craft, or skill level. Unlike craft unions, which focus on a single skill across various industries, an industrial union aims to unite all employees in a given sector to enhance their collective bargaining power.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Automotive Manufacturing

  Imagine a union that represents all employees at a large automobile manufacturing plant. This union would include not only the skilled mechanics and assembly line workers but also the administrative staff, quality control inspectors, maintenance technicians, and even janitorial services personnel. All these diverse roles, from highly skilled to entry-level, are united under one union because they all work within the same automotive industry and company.

  This demonstrates an industrial union because it brings together individuals with a wide range of jobs and skill sets who are all employed by the same industrial entity.

• Example 2: Airline Industry

  Consider a union that represents various employee groups within a major airline. This could include pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers, ground crew, customer service agents, and even administrative office staff. Despite their vastly different responsibilities and training, they are all members of the same union because they contribute to the operations of that specific airline company within the broader aviation industry.

  This illustrates an industrial union's scope by uniting different professions and skill levels—from highly specialized pilots to support staff—all working for the same employer in a single industry.

• Example 3: Healthcare System

  Picture a large hospital system where a single union represents nurses, medical technicians, administrative assistants, cafeteria workers, and even security personnel. This union advocates for the rights and interests of all these employees, regardless of their specific medical training or support role, because they all contribute to the functioning of the hospital system.

  This is an example of an industrial union because it organizes all workers, from medical professionals to support staff, who are employed within the same healthcare institution.