What benefits do unions typically advocate for their members?

Unions play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of their members, primarily focusing on labor conditions and compensation. Higher wages and better benefits are fundamental goals of union activities because they aim to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor relative to the cost of living and industry standards.

This advocacy often involves collective bargaining, where union representatives negotiate with employers to secure favorable wage increases, health benefits, retirement plans, and other forms of compensation. By doing so, unions help to improve the overall standard of living for their members and provide them with a safety net that enhances job satisfaction and stability.

The other options, while relevant in specific contexts, do not fully encapsulate the primary goals of union advocacy. Reduced hours and flexible work hours may be part of some negotiations but are secondary to the fundamental objectives of wage increases and benefits. Job automation does not directly align with union goals, as it often leads to job displacement rather than improvements in working conditions or compensation.