What is the main function of a "strike fund" within a union?

The main function of a strike fund within a union is to provide financial support to striking workers. When workers decide to go on strike, they are essentially withdrawing their labor, which typically means they are not receiving wages during that time. A strike fund acts as a financial safety net, offering monetary assistance to these workers to help them cover essential expenses such as food, rent, and other bills while they stand firm in their demands for better working conditions, wages, or benefits.

Having a robust strike fund is a critical element in union organization and activism. It helps ensure that workers can sustain their actions over the duration of the strike, contributing to their bargaining power against employers. If workers know they have financial backing, they are more likely to stay united and committed to their cause, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the strike.

The other options address different functions that unions may engage in, but they do not capture the primary role of a strike fund specifically. Member recruitment activities, safety training programs, and legal representation, while important, serve different purposes within union operations and do not directly relate to the integral function of supporting workers during a strike.