This exercise will have several purposes.$$ First, the main purpose is to determine if you understand the role of unions and assess whether they are relevant today.$$ By looking at each of the prescribed websites, you should become more familiar with what unions do and how they are structured.$$Second$,$ this beginning discussion topic will help to set the tone of the course and to help acquaint everyone with the main topic of labor relations in the United States.

Go to the AFL$-$CIO federation website.$$ Look at the programs and services it offers.$($Use the "About Us$"$ button at the top or in the site map at the bottom of the page.$)$ The AFL$-$CIO is not a union itself, but many national unions do participate in the federation.$$ Note the list of affiliated unions.$$

Find the American Postal Workers Unions $($APWU$),$ AFL$-$CIO.$$ Go to APWU website.$$ Review what it offers and how it operates.$$ Note the section "What We Stand For" at What We Stand For $|$ American Postal Workers Union $($apwu$.$org$).$ Next, go to the website of a local state office $($APWU Local and State Organization Links $|$ American Postal Workers Union$)$ to see what it emphasizes.$$

Then, using at least two resources from Week $1$ to support your position, state why you think unions are or are not still relevant today.