A recent report from the Economic Policy Institute found that union members are more likely to receive paid holidays and paid vacation.
It’s a plain, simple fact: Union members have better jobs. They make more money, have better health insurance and enjoy more paid time off. They are also treated with respect and have a voice on the job. Below are just some of the reasons more and more workers are choosing to form a Union.
Union workers are treated fairly
A union contract puts rules in place that allow you to do your job without fear of retaliation or unjust treatment. If you feel those rules have been broken, you have the legal right to appeal through a grievance procedure. Everyone is treated with respect. Not just management’s favorites.
Union workers have a voice on the job
A union provides you the opportunity to sit down with management and negotiate over the issues that matter to you. Things like raises, medical benefits, vacation time and other work rules will be determined through your negotiations with your employer.
Union workers make more money
People with a union median weekly earnings: $980
People without a union median weekly earnings: $776
Union workers have more paid time off
People in a union with paid sick leave: 83%
People without a union with paid sick leave: 62%
Union workers have better health insurance
People in a union participating in job-provided health insurance: 79%
People without a union participating in job-provided health insurance: 49%
Union workers have more retirement security
People in a union participating in guaranteed (defined-benefit) pension plans: 76%
People without a union participating in guaranteed (defined-benefit) pension plans: 16%
Unions help foster more work-life balance
Some 87 percent of union workers have access to paid sick days, compared to 69 percent of non-union workers. Roughly 89 percent of private-sector union workers get paid vacation and holidays, compared to roughly 75 percent of non-union private sector workers. More than 1 in 3 union workers get at least a week’s advance notice of their work schedules. Less than 1 in 4 non-union workers are provided the same. Just 22 percent of union workers say they have little or no input in the number of hours they work each week. Meanwhile, nearly half (46%) of non-union workers say they have little or no input in work schedules.
Unions improve workplace health and safety
We’re always looking to push programs that educate workers about potential on-the-job safety hazards. Many unionized workplaces have “safety committees” that provide workers a voice in maintaining health and safety in the workplace. Finally, unions ensure employers are held accountable for the safety conditions at their worksite.
Unions provide workers with training opportunities
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities are a hallmark of unions. The Industrial Manufacturing Technicians apprenticeship program, of which the IAM is a partner, provides workers with 260 hours with technical college instructors and 2,700 hours of on-the-job training.
Check out the entire report: