This paper examines the role of organized labor in the United States in providing training and education for union members. The first section clarifies the purpose of the union as an institution by examining its roles, functions, characteristics, and legal frameworks. Domestic and international competition affecting unions and their relationship to business and industry are discussed. Labor education and training sponsored by trade unions are the main topics of the second section. The role of unions in providing apprenticeship training is described, emphasizing the importance of training trust funds for apprentices. Labor education is the training of union officers and members to fulfill their functions within the union and the larger society. In the third section, the role of educational institutions in providing labor education is outlined, delineating three stages of development of university labor education programs. The emerging role of community colleges is acknowledged. Four types of tuition aid programs are the subject of the fourth section: tuition advancement or reimbursement, educational leave, training funds, and scholarships and educational loans. This section includes information about barriers to worker participation and ways to overcome them. Case studies describing educational programs sponsored by unions conclude the monograph, illustrating the diversity of educational and training opportunities available to union members. (SK)