Utility Workers Union of America
AFL - CIO Local 127

In a non-union setting, workers count on their own individual strength; in a union setting,  workers count on their own strength plus the collective strength of the group. In a non-union setting, the employer makes all the rules; in a union setting, the rules are negotiated by the union and the employer. In a non-union setting, the employer enforces the rules however he sees fit; in a union setting workers have a procedure in place to respond to unfair enforcement of rules, even to the point of having an outside, neutral arbitrator decide who’s right. In a non-union setting the employer decides what employees will be paid and what benefits, if any, they will receive; in a union setting the employer is required to negotiate with the union on all pay and benefit issues the union brings to the bargaining table.
-- Adapted from The Union Member's Complete Guide, by Michael Mauer