UNION MEMBERS LIVE BETTER
As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights. We have the best chance of receiving better wages, benefits, and fair treatment in the workplace by bargaining collectively as a union. Most of us have very limited bargaining power as one person, but as a group, we are strong. And, with a good negotiated contract, we have legal protections we would not have otherwise. Union membership brings many benefits to working people, one of which is higher weekly earnings. Data indicates that union workers, on average, made $200 or 30% more per week than nonunion workers in 2007.
UNION WORKERS HAVE BETTER BENEFITS
Union workers are more likely than their nonunion counterparts to receive health care and pension benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 80% of union workers get employer-provided health benefits, compared with only 49% of nonunion workers. In addition, 62% of union workers have short-term disability benefits, while only 14% of nonunion workers do. And where union workers get and average of 15 days of paid vacation, nonunion workers get an average of 11.75.
UNION WORKERS HAVE GREATER JOB STABILITY
Although 50% of union workers have been with their current employers for at least 10 years, only 32% of nonunion workers can make the same claim. Union workers have greater job stability, in part because they are more satisfied with their jobs, receive better pay, have better benefits and have access to fair grievance procedures. Even more important, most collective bargaining agreements protect union members from unjust discharge. Nonunion workers are “employees at will” who can be fired at any time for any reason – or for no reason.
THE UNION DIFFERENCE
Do you know the Union Difference? Take the Quiz (PDF).
Union workers earn higher wages and get more benefits than workers who don’t have a voice on the job with a union. View the Union Advantage by the Numbers (PDF).