1. What role do you believe Unions have in today's economy? Explain your answer with reference to material from the textbook.

Unions are important in today’s economy as they help to reduce any wage inequality and protect domestic industry. It helps to maintain the even distribution of income with the help of trade.
Unions protect the economy by ensuring that the dispute related to trade war is resolved. Example bodies like the Dispute Settlement body by WTO provide effective engagement to resolve trade disputes related to unilateral trade sanctions (Twomey).

• The presence of unions like CISG is useful as a neutral body for negotiations of contracts. Thus it ensured fair negotiations and controls unpleasant oppositions.
• Unions ensure open markets that are non-discriminatory and low barriers to investments. This helps to strengthen the economy by eliminating any unfair practices. The lower labor standards are eliminated with the help of Unions.
• It provides balance for international agreements and balanced growth of trade. It supports an active and effective system.

Role of Unions in today’s economy:

• Raise the collective voice of workers against unjust industry practices
• Demand for an increase in wages and share in profit in form of bonus
• Dispute resolution between workers and management
• Ensure safe working condition for employees
• Pitch for increased benefits for workers and families
• Ascertain job security
• To protect worker rights

2. In Chapter 15, page 824, review the scenario presented in question 4.  Answer the question at the end of the scenario.

What types of employer conduct with respect to unions does the law prohibit? Do you agree with these prohibitions?

The law prohibits the “employer may not interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees” (Twomey, 2013, p. 141). This includes acts that may be threatening to workers, promising benefits, or inquiring about union interests. I do agree with the employer being prohibited from such acts. If the company is unionized, the employer should not be allowed to interfere with the employees’ involvement with the union.

Twomey, D. P. (2013). Employer Unfair Labor Practices. J. Calhoun (15th Edition). Labor &

Employment Law: Texts and Cases (p. 141). Mason, OH: South-Western.