Updated: August 31, 2026
The different kinds of labor unions are generally distinguished by the workers they represent, the industries or occupations they cover, and how they are organized. Common types include craft unions, industrial unions, professional unions, and public- and private-sector unions.
While these organizations can differ in structure and membership, they generally share the goal of representing workers and negotiating for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and workplace protections.
So, what is the main function of a union? At its core, a labor union gives workers a collective voice when dealing with employers.
Depending on its structure and membership, a union may negotiate collective bargaining agreements, represent members in workplace disputes, advocate for worker protections, and organize around issues affecting a particular occupation or industry. Understanding the different types of labor unions can help explain how these organizations operate and why workers may choose one form of representation over another.
|
Type of Labor Union |
Who It Represents |
Common Focus |
|
Craft union |
Workers with the same trade or skill |
Wages, training, and trade-specific working conditions |
|
Industrial union |
Workers across occupations within an industry |
Industry-wide bargaining and workplace protections |
|
Professional union |
Workers in specialized professions |
Pay, working conditions, and professional interests |
|
Public-sector union |
Government and public-service employees |
Wages, benefits, and public-sector working conditions |
|
Private-sector union |
Employees of private businesses and organizations |
Pay, benefits, job security, and workplace conditions |
Unions have existed in the United States for more than two centuries. In the beginning, the idea of organizing workers was very contentious. Those advocating for unions often faced opposition from employers and government authorities. Union organizers were afforded limited protections and often found themselves faced with angry objectors and in dangerous situations.
In 1935, the National Labor Relations Act granted individuals the right to establish unions. Organizing into unions became more widespread in certain industries after John F. Kennedy signed a presidential decree in 1962 that gave unions collective bargaining rights.
The following are a few of the professions where unions are routinely present to safeguard the interests of their members:
Workers form labor unions to represent their combined interests and rights in the workplace. These unions are crucial in advocating for improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for their members. Here are the three functions of a union:
One of the crucial duties of labor unions is collective bargaining, which entails the union negotiating with the employer to establish the terms and conditions of employment for its members. This includes issues such as pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Labor unions act as advocates for their members, representing their interests and safeguarding their rights. They can offer legal representation to members during conflicts with employers and push for equitable treatment, better working conditions, and job stability.
Labor unions also function as advocates for workers on a larger scale, particularly within political and social spheres. They advocate for policies–such as regulations for workplace safety, minimum wage laws, and employee protections–that are advantageous to workers.
Let’s take a look at a few of the categories that unions fall into:
A craft union refers to workers who have similar trade-related careers or skill sets. These unions can be industry-specific or based on the shared expertise of their members. In the United States, craft unions grew in popularity during the Industrial Revolution to safeguard workers who often had to work in unsafe conditions.
Through unions, members could secure fair compensation and benefits, which was instrumental in preventing long-term unemployment. Unions created apprenticeship programs and restricted job access to union members to achieve these goals.
Industrial unions are groups of individuals working in the same industry or similar service sectors. They typically pertain to a single sector of the economy and encompass all workers in that industry. Industrial unions often engage in sectional bargaining, negotiating contracts across multiple employers in that field.
Industrial unions possess significant bargaining power owing to their extensive membership. Their influence led to the transformation of whole industries and enhanced health and safety standards in the workplace.
A federation is a structured grouping of one or more unions. These associations offer various services and assistance to affiliated unions and supplementary advantages and protections for their members.
Labor unions can take different forms depending on the workers they represent, the industries they serve, and how they are organized. Whether a union is organized around a particular craft, an entire industry, a profession, or a public or private sector workforce, its role is generally to give members a collective voice and advocate for their shared interests.
Strong member participation is an important part of effective union governance. Elections can give members a meaningful opportunity to choose leaders and representatives who will speak on their behalf. ElectionBuddy provides flexible voting solutions designed to help unions manage secure and accessible elections, from leadership votes to member decisions and other important union business.
Interested in voting software in union elections? Take a look at our recent post!
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