Utility Workers Union of America
AFL - CIO Local 127

The relationship between a union and those it represents is the same as between a nation and its citizens.  Unions exist because employees see that dealing with an employer only as individuals ultimately puts each of us in a weaker position.  So we make the decision to work together as a group, and to have our elected union representatives implement decisions on behalf of the group.  Will you agree with every single decision made by your union?  Not a chance.  But just the same, you and every other represented employee in your workplace benefits overall from the group decisions and actions.
—Adapted from The Union Member's Complete Guide, by Michael Mauer