Bargaining Rights

Those one track minds
They took you for a working boy
Kiss them goodbye, you shouldn't have to jump for joy
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
--Tears for Fears

In unhampered markets, potential buyers and sellers are free to bargain in any way they see fit. The negotiations are voluntary, however. No one is forced to bargain with anyone else. If both sides cannot come to terms, then no trade occurs.

In labor markets, a prospective seller of labor cannot be forced into working for someone else under terms that the individual worker does not agree with. This is slavery and a violation of one's natural right to his/her wherewithal to produce.

Workers are free to walk away from deals deemed undesirable.

Likewise, a prospective buyer of labor cannot be forced into employing workers under terms that the employer does not agree with. This is theft and a violation of one's natural rights to his/her property.

Employers are free to walk away from deals deemed undesirable.

Forcing workers or employers into unwanted contracts also violates one's freedom of association--in this context defined as the freedom to do business with whomever one wishes.

Under conditions of coercion, no valid contract exists.