•  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.