What does the term "public sector union" refer to?

The term "public sector union" specifically refers to unions that organize and represent employees working for government agencies and public services. This includes workers in various sectors such as education, healthcare, public safety, and municipal services, among others. The primary role of public sector unions is to advocate for the rights and interests of their members, which can include negotiating for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.

In contrast, unions that represent employees of private companies are classified as private sector unions, while those that focus on freelance workers do not generally fit the traditional union model, as freelancers often work independently rather than under a single employer. Unions that focus on environmental issues are typically more advocacy or interest-based organizations rather than labor unions, which are centered on employee representation and labor relations. Thus, the definition of a public sector union is distinctly tied to the government and public employment context.