The basic unit of union organization. Trade unions are usually divided into a number of local administrations. OPEN SHOP - A shop in which union membership is not required as a condition of securing or retaining employment. A union security clause in a collective agreement stating that the employer agrees to deduct an amount equal to the union dues from all members of the bargaining unit whether or not they are members of the union, for the duration of the collective agreement. Depending on the provisions of the collective agreement, seniority can be based on length of service alone or on additional factors such as ability or union duties.
Stewards are usually part of the workforce they represent.
Usually the last stage of collective bargaining when all other means have failed. Except in special cases, strikes are legal when a collective agreement is not in force. A sympathy strike is a strike by workers not directly involved in a labour dispute - an attempt to bring pressure on an employer in a labour dispute. A wildcat strike is a strike violating the collective agreement and not authorized by the union. New workers need not be union members to be hired, but must join after a certain number of days.