What distinguishes a labor union from other employee associations?

A labor union is distinctly characterized by its role in collective bargaining, which involves negotiating agreements on behalf of its members regarding wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment-related matters. This collective bargaining process aims to ensure that workers have a unified voice when negotiating with employers, thereby enhancing their power and influence in the workplace. In contrast, other employee associations may focus on providing social events, scholarship opportunities, or acting as morale committees, but they do not typically engage in formal negotiations with employers regarding employment terms. This key function of collective bargaining is what fundamentally sets labor unions apart, making them a critical entity in the representation of workers' rights and interests in the labor market.