Whether you're considering unionization for your workplace or seeking to understand the benefits and legalities involved, you'll find answers to common questions and resources to empower your journey towards workplace equity and solidarity.
Unions are organizations that represent a group of workers. It is a form of collective action protected by the National Labor Relations Act and enables groups of workers to collectively bargain for higher wages, better work conditions, and benefits.
People join unions because it can help them secure fair wages, legal representation against unjust terminations, and overall treatment of employees as less replaceable through work contracts for groups of workers.
Outlined in the National Labor Relations Act, you have the right to engage in concerted activities to obtain better compensation.
Examples include:
Members pay dues on a regular basis to fund the union's operations, which include organizing campaigns, hiring attorneys, covering administrative expenses, and also helping other workplaces unionize.
No, unions represent laborers in a wide range of fields and jobs, such as public sector workers, healthcare providers, and white-collar professionals.
By drafting collective bargaining agreements that establish guidelines for pay, benefits, hours, and workplace policies.
Employees' rights to form unions and take part in union activities are protected by federal law. It is legal for workers in most industries to join a union and engage in collective bargaining. It is illegal in many countries to retaliate against union workers, however, it's essential to understand your rights and consult with a labor rights organization or union representative if you have any questions.
Unions have had a historic resurgence since 2022 because they defend workers' rights, securing just pay and benefits, and resolving workplace conflicts even in the face of shifting labor markets and technological advancements.
Some big name labor unions have had criticism in leadership corruption such as teamsters . Other criticisms fall under failure of representatives to secure the benefits workers wanted.
A union provides you with collective bargaining power, protection against unfair treatment by your employer, access to better wages and benefits, and a voice in decisions that affect your work life. They also indirectly reduce poverty and address stagnation of wages.
Signs that your workplace may benefit from a union include low wages, lack of benefits, unsafe working conditions, unfair treatment by management, and lack of job security.
Starting a union typically involves organizing your coworkers, collecting signatures to demonstrate support, and then formally petitioning for recognition from your employer, and election for or against union representation at your workplace. It's advisable to seek guidance from a labor union or labor rights organization to navigate the process effectively.
Unions work in a more democratic system. In the case that there is disagreement, you can take it up with the union through their decision-making processes such as elections or meetings.
Non-union workers may indirectly receive some benefits from union activities on occasion, however, they do not receive the direct benefits such as higher wages or specific protections as union workers do. Some benefits include, higher standard of compensation throughout industry, and anticipation of unionizing workers causing employers to raise wages, as well as union membership being associated with lower poverty rates and better public health.