What role do labor unions play in the workplace?

Labor unions play a significant role in advocating for employee rights and negotiating labor contracts. They represent the collective interests of workers, which allows them to engage in discussions with employers regarding wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. By organizing workers, unions can leverage collective bargaining power, ensuring that employees have a voice in workplace decisions and can negotiate terms that protect their rights and enhance their working conditions.

In the context of labor relations, unions work to secure fair pay, reasonable work hours, and safe working environments through formal agreements known as contracts. This advocacy is crucial in promoting equitable treatment and ensuring that employees' rights are upheld within the workplace.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary functions of labor unions. Monitoring employee time off, conducting performance evaluations, and providing training programs may be tasks typically handled by management or human resources, rather than being the primary focus of labor unions.