What is the difference between a "union" and an "open shop"?

The distinction between a "union" and an "open shop" lies fundamentally in the role of membership in relation to employment. A union, which is an organized group of workers, often requires that its members pay dues and adhere to specific guidelines to represent them in negotiations with employers regarding wages, working conditions, and other employment matters. In many unionized workplaces, employment is contingent on membership, meaning that employees must join the union to be hired or to continue working there.

In contrast, an open shop policy indicates that employees have the option to join a union but are not required to do so in order to be employed. This means that an employer can hire individuals regardless of whether they are union members or not. An open shop environment encourages a broader employment base, as it allows individuals to work without the obligation to join a union while still enjoying the protections and regulations that might come from the collective bargaining agreement established by the union, if one exists.

The incorrect choices misunderstand the fundamental characteristics of unions and open shops. For instance, saying that unions allow non-members while open shops do not conflates the definitions, as open shops do not necessitate union membership for employment. Similarly, asserting that both require membership for work denies the fundamental nature of an open shop