After studying this chapter you should be able to:

1. Define labor relations, labor union, and collective bargaining.
2. Outline the history of unions in both the private and public sectors.
3. Explain the role of the legal system in creating the labor relations climate in the United States.
4. Discuss the union organization and collective bargaining processes.
5. Explain how a grievance system is part of administering and interpreting a labor agreement.
6. Identify current trends in unionization in the United States.