What are the differences between a union and a professional association?

A union and a professional association are two very different legal entities that may be encountered in Massachusetts labor relations law. A union is an organization composed of workers that have joined together to collectively negotiate their wages, benefits, and other conditions of employment. Generally, employers must recognize and bargain with the union, which gives members of the union additional bargaining power to obtain better wages and benefits. On the other hand, a professional association is an organization organized around the interests of a particular profession. These organizations can provide resources to members of the profession, such as educational seminars and networking opportunities, to help them in their work. However, professional associations do not have the same legal powers or authority to negotiate collective bargaining agreements as unions. In summary, a union is an organization comprised of workers that are empowered to collectively bargain with employers, while a professional association is an organization focused on advancing the interests of a particular profession, but does not have the same legal authority as a union to negotiate collective agreements.

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