Why might labor laws have produced hardship in some cases?

Labor laws are often thought of as a positive event for working people. However, it is possible for labor laws to cause hardship. For example, when unions were given the right to exist, it gave the workers more power. This often led to higher wages. However, for the business owners, it meant higher costs. Business owners might incur lower profits because of this. It is possible they might hire fewer workers. This could increase unemployment. Business owners might pass the higher costs to the consumers who then would pay higher prices for the products they bought.
Another side effect of labor laws is that it removes some flexibility. Companies must follow the procedures outlined in the union contract. Failure to follow the established procedures could lead to charges of discrimination or favoritism. This prevents any negotiation with an individual worker. As a result, a company isn’t able to reward a worker beyond what is stated in the contract. This could lead to the loss of good workers who might go elsewhere where they could negotiate their own deals.
If an employer fires a worker, the employer may be in a difficult position if another company contacts them about hiring that worker. There are laws that protect the confidentiality of the worker. There also are laws that state that an employer must warn a future employer if a person was fired because he or she was acting dangerously. A company has to walk a very fine line in these situations.
It is possible for labor laws to cause hardships.