What Are the Benefits of Belonging to a Union?
Unions act as the voice of workers by arbitrating disputes and developing fair and equitable working conditions on behalf of the employee. In January 2009, an article in the New York Times titled "Union Membership Sees Biggest Rise Since '83" stated that unions saw a gain of 311,000 members in 2008, the largest increase in 25 years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that union members' salaries exceed the salaries of their non-union counterparts by as much as 68% in certain job classifications.
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Salary
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Union representation has led to increased salaries for its members, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, whose report shows that wages for unionized workers overall were 28% higher than for workers who were not members of a union. Workers in the private sector rated slightly lower at 22%; public employees also rated at 22%. Male employees were 21% higher but female union members enjoyed a 34% increase in their salaries. Unionized service employees realized the greatest salary difference--68% higher than non-union workers in the same profession. In the service industry category, there was no differentiation between male and female workers.
Collective Bargaining
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One of the services that a union provides its members is representation. Before unions, an employer could force workers to work overtime without pay and without breaks. The union is responsible for changes in the way workers are treated by employers. One of the ways it accomplishes this is through collective bargaining. During a collective bargaining session, the union will assign a representative to sit down with the employer and reach an agreement on fair and equitable treatment for union members. The collective bargaining session can be for wages, benefits, hours and conditions of employment. Once agreements are reached, there is usually a time period of one to three years, at which time the agreement is reviewed and amended if necessary.
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Arbitration
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Union members who feel they have been treated unfairly on the job have the option of having disputes with their employers settled through arbitration. The results of arbitration are binding upon both parties (the employee and employer). It is similar to a court hearing in which both parties are able to present their reasons for the disagreement before an impartial third party (the arbitrator), who takes into consideration the equity of the arguments and renders a decision for resolution. There is only a slight difference between arbitration and a grievance.
Grievances
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A grievance is filed when the terms of a collective bargaining agreement have been misapplied. Grievance procedures are similar to arbitration since an arbitrator reviews the facts and makes the determination as to whether or not the collective bargaining terms and conditions were properly applied.
Benefits
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The union provides its members with benefits that can last a lifetime. Members of the AFL-CIO, along with their family members and retirees, are automatically eligible for some union-sponsored benefits. These benefits are available to union members because the union represents millions of buyers. When benefits are offered to family members, buying power is increased exponentially.
Some of the benefits that union members and their families are able to take advantage of include: Auto---car purchase service; tire purchase discounts and discounts on car rentals. Educational Resources---Union Plus scholarships; National Labor College Scholarships; Union Leaders of the Future Scholarships and student discounts. Member assistant programs---Financial hardship assistance; mortgage assistant and worker debt help.
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