Explain the role of labor unions in HRM.

The role of labor unions in human resource management is primarily centered around representing employees in negotiations with employers. This includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements that cover wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment terms. Labor unions serve as a collective voice for workers, enabling them to present their demands more powerfully than they could as individuals. This representation is crucial in establishing fair labor practices and ensuring that employees have a say in their work environment and conditions.

Through collective bargaining, unions help secure protections and rights for employees, fostering a relationship between management and labor that can lead to more positive workplace dynamics. This role of advocacy and negotiation helps to level the playing field between employees and employers, allowing for a more equitable process when it comes to workplace policies and practices.