What is a "union shop," and how does it differ from a closed shop?

A union shop is defined as a workplace where all employees are required to join the union within a specific timeframe after being hired. This structure ensures that all workers contribute to the union, which advocates for their rights and negotiates on their behalf regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union shop model helps to promote solidarity among workers and enhances the bargaining power of the union.

In contrast, a closed shop requires that all employees be union members before they can be hired for a position. This means that an employer can only hire those who are already part of the union, effectively excluding anyone who is not a union member from employment opportunities. The main difference lies in the timing of union membership—union shops allow for employees to join after they are hired, whereas closed shops mandate membership beforehand.

The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the features of a union shop. For example, claiming a workplace that hires only union members before employment misrepresents the union shop's inclusivity post-hire. Additionally, describing a shop that operates without union involvement or allows workers to opt-out of membership does not align with the fundamental principles of a union shop, where employee participation in the union is a requirement within a stipulated time frame.