1. What is the underlying reason for union formation? Why are unions formed? Explain.

2. At this point in your reading of the text, what do you believe are the major pros and cons of unions today?

3. What do the terms "collective bargaining agreement (CBA)" and "contract" generally refer to in labor relations?

4. After reading the articleThis one map shows what union membership looks like in the USwhich state has the highest union membership. What is the trend regarding union membership? What in the article surprised you the most?

5. Private sector unions have been around since the late 1800's. This could not have been possible without major legislation in place to protect worker's rights. These are some of the laws that governed union activities early in their history: -Wagner Act (NLRA) -Taft-Hartley Amendments (LMRA) -Landrum-Griffin Act (LMRDA) What are some of the qualities of these pieces of legislation? What was good for management? What was not good for management?

6. Do you think it is right for a union and an employer to agree in a collective bargaining agreement that all of the workers subject to the collective bargaining agreement have to join the union in order to keep their job?

7. Did the Great Depression have any impact on the U.S. labor movement? If so, what?

8. Describe the federal and court actions against union workers in the 1800s.

9. How are public employees provided the right of collective bargaining?

10. Why did the federal government resist collective bargaining?

11. How do public employees' rights and interests differ from those of private sector employees?

12. How does the National Labor Relations Act limit the Board's determination of the appropriate bargaining units?

13. What factors might contribute to employees voting to decertify a union?

14. What are the "rules" employers and union organizers must follow during an organizational campaign?

15. Compare bargaining unit determination in the public and private sectors.