What does a union represent in a professional context?

In a professional context, a union serves as an organization that advocates for worker rights and safety. This includes negotiating contracts, ensuring fair wages, providing benefits, and protecting the interests of its members. Unions play a crucial role in promoting safe working conditions and addressing workplace grievances. They represent a collective voice for workers, giving them more strength and influence when negotiating with employers.

This definition emphasizes the union's role in supporting and empowering workers across various industries, including stagecraft and performing arts, rather than focusing solely on regulatory enforcement, artistic promotion, or a narrow group of professionals such as stage designers. The broad advocacy for worker rights and safety is the essence of what a union represents in a professional setting.