What is a 'closed shop' in labor relations?

A 'closed shop' in labor relations refers to a workplace where all workers must be union members as a condition of employment. This means that individuals must join the union and maintain their membership in order to be hired and continue working at that particular establishment. This type of arrangement is designed to strengthen the bargaining power of the union, as it ensures that the union has a majority presence in the workplace, enabling it to negotiate better terms and conditions for all employees.

The concept of a closed shop is rooted in the labor movement as a way to secure solidarity and support for worker rights, emphasizing the collective interests of all workers over individual ones. This contrasts with workplaces that may allow non-union employees to work alongside union members or do not have any union presence at all.