The Union Difference
What difference does a union make?
As a steward, it's your job to sell the benefits of union membership to unorganized workers. And it doesn't hurt to remind our own members from time to time, either.
Here (in capsule form) are eight (8) big advantages unions bring to a workplace:
1. Wages, benefits, working conditions
Union
Protected by legal contract
NO UNION
At the whim of management.
2. Wages
UNION
Spelled out in the contract
NO UNION
Secret. Negotiated individually by management.
3. Raises
UNION
Bargained for everyone. All workers vote on the settlement.
NO UNION
Favoritism can determine individual raises.
4. Discipline
UNION
The union will defend you.
NO UNION
Lots of luck. You' re on your own.
5. Promotions
UNION
Awarded fairly according to negotiated agreement.
NO UNION
Favoritism, the romance, blackmail, you name it.
6. Vacations, Shifts, Layoffs
UNION
Based on the negotiated agreement.
NO UNION
?????
7. Support for Problems
UNION
Union will work on the job to solve them.
NO UNION
Their way or the highway.
8. Give People A Voice In The Political Arena
UNION
Work for laws that protect all working people and their families.
NO UNION
Take away or weaken laws that protect workers, i.e. , health and safety, overtime, etc.