Interested in unions and collective bargaining? We’re here to help.

60 million non-union workers in the U.S. say they would join a union if given the chance, but many don’t know where to begin. The Worker Organizing Resource and Knowledge (WORK) Center is a one-stop shop for information and resources on unions and collective bargaining for workers, employers, unions, government agencies, students and anyone interested in unions and collective bargaining.

Scroll down to learn how unions improve the lives of all workers, and how they support the Department of Labor's mission.

  • Welcome to the WORK Center

    Welcome to the WORK Center

    Learn why the department is prioritizing empowering workers to organize.

  • Unions 101

    Unions 101

    What is a union, and how can you form one?

  • The Union Advantage

    The Union Advantage

    Learn how joining a union can improve pay and benefits, especially for women and people of color.

  • Hear From Workers

    family sitting at home

    Hear from workers about how organizing improved their workplaces--and lives.

  • Unions in our Communities and Democracy

    Unions and democracy

    Find out how unions help keep our economy and democracy strong.

  • Labor-Management Partnerships

    Labor-Management Partnerships

    Learn more about how unions and employers have worked together to improve workplaces.

Additional resources

Print Publications

  • Bargaining for the Common Good: An Emerging Tool for Re-Building Worker Power, in No One Size Fits All - Joseph A. McCartin and Marilyn Sneiderman
  • Labor Unions and White Racial Politics - Jake Grumbach and Paul Frymer
  • Unions, Worker Voice, and Management Practices: Implications for a High Productivity, High-Wage Economy -- Thomas A. Kochan and William T. Kimball

New and noteworthy

WATCH: 5 ways unions benefit all of us

WATCH: 5 ways unions benefit all of us

From raising wages to shrinking the racial wage gap, U.S. Department of Labor Chief Economist Joelle Gamble explains how unions benefit all of us.

4 Ways Unions Complement the Department of Labor's Mission

4 Ways Unions Complement the Department of Labor's Mission

Read more about the many ways in which unions complement the Department of Labor's mission to improve the lives of America's workers.

Voluntary Recognition on the Rise

Voluntary Recognition on the Rise

More employers are staying neutral in worker organizing campaigns and voluntarily recognizing their workers' choice, according to a new report.

Unions Help Close the Pay Gap for Working Women

Unions Help Close the Pay Gap for Working Women

March is Women's History Month. Read this OpEd about how unions benefit working women and help close the gender pay gap.

Labor Leads on Climate Action

Labor Leads on Climate Action

Read how unions help fight climate change and advance initiatives to support good union jobs in the clean energy economy.

Protection From Retaliation

Protection From Retaliation

The Department of Labor's mission and enforcement depends on the cooperation of workers. This new FAQ explains the process for requesting DOL support for requests to the DHS for immigration-related prosecutorial discretion, such as deferred action, during labor disputes. 

Share your story​​

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What has organizing a union meant for you? How have labor-management partnerships improved your business? We want to hear your story.

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