What is a "union shop"?

A "union shop" refers to a workplace where employees are required to join a union after being hired, typically within a specified period. This arrangement is designed to ensure that all employees contribute to the union, which advocates for their collective interests, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. In a union shop, the employer must agree to a contract that mandates union membership as a condition of continued employment, although it is important to note that some jurisdictions may have specific laws regarding union security agreements.

The notion of a union shop helps to strengthen the bargaining power of the collective group of employees, as it promotes solidarity and financial support for the union's activities. This ultimately enables the union to negotiate more effectively on behalf of all workers.

The other choices describe different aspects of labor relations. A business without union representation does not fit the definition of a union shop, nor does an organization that merely negotiates on behalf of employees without establishing membership requirements. Hiring solely union members also does not accurately reflect the idea of a union shop, as it allows for hiring conditions that include non-membership for a certain time frame before requiring membership. Therefore, the definition of a union shop aligns specifically with the requirement of joining the union after hiring.