Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of labor unions?

The correct answer, indicating that individual contracts are not a characteristic of labor unions, reflects the fundamental nature and purpose of these organizations. Labor unions are designed to represent the collective interests of workers in a specific industry or occupation. They aim to improve working conditions, wages, and benefits through collective action.

Negotiation for workers' rights and collective bargaining are core functions of labor unions, wherein they negotiate on behalf of their members with employers to establish labor agreements that benefit all members of the union, rather than on an individual basis. Additionally, labor unions often represent workers from specific occupations, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared objectives among members.

In contrast, individual contracts are agreements made between an employer and a single employee, which do not involve the collective representation that is characteristic of unions. Individual contracts tend to operate outside the framework of union negotiation, often leading to disparities in benefits and protections for workers, which unions seek to avoid by advocating for collective agreements that ensure fair treatment for all workers within the union.