Legal Definitions - vertical union

A vertical union, also known as an industrial union, is a type of labor organization that represents all workers within a particular industry, regardless of their specific job, skill level, or craft. Instead of focusing on a single trade or profession, a vertical union includes everyone from entry-level laborers to skilled technicians, administrative staff, and even some management roles, as long as they are employed within that industry. This structure aims to give workers across an entire industry a unified voice in negotiations with employers.

• Example 1: Automotive Manufacturing

  Imagine a large union that represents all employees at a major car manufacturing plant. This union would include the assembly line workers who put the cars together, the engineers who design the components, the maintenance staff who keep the machinery running, the administrative assistants in the offices, and even the cafeteria workers.

  How it illustrates the term: This union is "vertical" because it encompasses a wide range of job functions and skill levels, from highly skilled engineers to general laborers, all united by their employment within the automotive manufacturing industry.

• Example 2: Public Transit System

  Consider a union that organizes all non-managerial employees working for a city's public transportation authority. This would include bus drivers, train operators, mechanics who repair the vehicles, dispatchers who schedule routes, customer service representatives, and cleaning crews.

  How it illustrates the term: This is a vertical union because it brings together diverse job roles—from skilled mechanics to front-line drivers and administrative staff—all operating within the single industry of public transportation.

• Example 3: Hospitality and Tourism

  Think of a union that represents all eligible employees across a major hotel chain, including housekeepers, front desk staff, chefs and kitchen workers, waiters, bartenders, and maintenance personnel.

  How it illustrates the term: This union is structured vertically as it covers various occupations and skill sets, from service staff to culinary professionals, all working within the hospitality industry for the same employer or chain.