Often simply referred to as a union, a labor union is an organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and collective interests in regards to wages, working conditions and benefits.
Port-based maritime unions may include locals of the larger union, such as the General Longshore Workers; Clerks and Checkers; Sack-sewers, Sweepers, Water boys and Coopers; Dock Loaders and Unloaders of Freight Cars and Barges; Dray Clerks, Weighers and Samplers; plus the Seafarers International Union; the National Maritime Union; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association and the Teamsters. Some laborers don't belong to a union.
