This text investigates the fundamental purpose, organizational structure, and historical function of trade unions within a modern industrial society. Tony Van Den Bergh provides an overview of the labor movement, examining how collective bargaining and union representation influence the relationship between employees and employers. The work serves as an introductory framework for understanding the socio-economic impact of organized labor on national policy and workplace standards.

Readers often identify this work as a concise primer for those seeking a basic understanding of labor organizations. Experts note that while the text provides a clear historical overview, it functions primarily as an introductory resource rather than a comprehensive academic study of labor economics.