In the beginning unions fought for a minimum wage, child labour laws, hours of work, basic health and safety. They also advocated for maternity leave and basic labour standards which prevented workers from being taken advantage of and ensured that all working people had rights.

Unions fight for pensions, medicare, benefits, and wages that help families and communities. And they also fought for vacation.

Unions fight for a standard of living beyond what bare minimum labour standards provide. And unions fight to ensure that rights of workers are implemented. Laws may exist, but if they are not enforced they mean nothing.

Unions gives workers a collective voice. Working together, they participate in developing bargaining proposals, take them to the bargaining table, and negotiate the terms and conditions of their collective agreement with employers.

Workers benefit when they work together through unions.