What Are The Benefits Of Being In A Workers Union?

Workers unions have long been associated with decreased employee turnover, increased productivity, improved workplace communication, and a better trained workforce. As an employee, you may be looking for ways to improve your workplace or your working conditions and have considered joining a union. If so, here are a number of benefits related to union membership.

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is what brings a worker’s union its greatest benefits. It occurs when a group of workers join together to increase their negotiating power with company management. When a single voice attempts to raise conversation about an unpopular topic, such as increased wages, management may not listen. However, if an entire workforce is aligned with their requests, it is much harder for management to ignore. There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to the workplace.

Unions bring together a workforce for collective bargaining, giving the employees a louder voice and increased power with management. The bargaining units will usually elect representatives that work closely with the union in achieving goals.

Collective bargaining also ensures that union workers cannot be fired without cause, unlike non-union workers that are considered “at will” employees and can be fired at any time for almost any reason.

Workplace Safety

When employees are considered disposable, businesses are less interested in protecting them and maintaining a safe workplace. Union membership gives employees greater power in their workplace, allowing the group to speak up and be heard if a potential safety issue arises. If an employee voice is not enough, union leadership will get involved to ensure the safety of their members. Union leadership will also follow up with management to ensure that safety standards and requests are properly adhered to. When employees organize, the company cannot let safety issues go unnoticed.

Increased Benefits And Pay

The statistics are obvious – union workers have greater benefits and pay than non-union workers. On average, 92% of union workers have job-related health insurance while only 68% of non-union workers do, and union workers make an average of 30% more than non-workers. Union workers are also more likely to have pensions than non-union workers.

Often times, union leadership will not only fight for increased pay and benefits, but will determine a raise schedule, which raises the wages of union employees in a predictable manner.

Learn More About A Workers Union

CWA Local represents Rochester workers in the information technology, telecommunications, public service, and law enforcement fields. If you are interested in learning more about union membership and what it would look like in your workplace, contact us today.