Collective bargaining influences politics by empowering labor unions to negotiate better working conditions, wages, and benefits for employees. This can shift political power dynamics, pressuring lawmakers to consider labor rights in legislation. When unions mobilize, they can significantly affect elections, supporting candidates who back their interests and challenging those who do not. This interaction fosters a political environment where labor rights are prioritized, often leading to policies that support the working class and potentially counteract corporate influences, thereby making it a critical aspect of the political landscape.