ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Closed shop

A closed shop is like a tree house club, where only members are allowed in. But instead of a tree house, it’s a job or a business. To be a member, you have to belong to a particular group or union, and you can only get this job if you are a member of that group. So, if you are not a part of that group, you cannot get the job.

Let's say there's a group of people who work together in a factory. They have formed a union to protect worker's rights and make sure they get good wages, benefits and working conditions. They have made an agreement with the company that only union members can work there. This means that if someone wants to work at the factory, they have to be a member of the union first.

So, it’s like a rule that only allows you to play a game with a special toy if you are part of a special club. In the same way, only people who belong to a particular union can work in a particular company or business. This makes sure that all the workers in that place are protected and treated fairly. However, this system can also be controversial, as it can limit job opportunities for people who are not members of the union.
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