Regardless of your political views on labor unions, there are an enormous array of benefits that come with joining one. It’s down to labor unions that our working week is shorter, for example. And, we now enjoy the safest workplaces in history. So, if joining a union has never been on your radar in the past, perhaps this post might highlight some of the incredible advantages. Take a look and find how much joining a labor union could improve your prospects.
More money. It’s easy to look at the many news stories about unions and be critical. Strikes, after all, harm the economy and can ruin productivity across many different industries. But, the threat of a strike by a labor union is a powerful weapon. The median income of a union member is significantly more than a nonunion worker, even after paying membership fees. So, if you are looking to earn a little more money, think about signing up.
Better benefits. Being part of a collective gives you a lot more power when it comes to bargaining for better benefits. And the statistics back this up. Well over 90 percent of all union members are entitled to medical benefits, and less than 70 percent of nonunion workers get the same benefits. In simple terms, being in a union can give you a much healthier lifestyle.
Legal assistance. If something happens to you at work, an accident, for example, it can be expensive. Finding legal help and hiring a workers’ compensation attorney is not always cheap. However, when you are a union member, you will often find you have access to free or reduced-fee legal consultations and help. It makes standing up to employers much more accessible and ensures you get the best representation for your case.
Access to other services. It’s not just legal help you can get from a good union. Labor unions often offer better training to its members than you would get from any non-union organization. They also offer loyalty and reward packages which can benefit both you and your family.
More secure jobs. If you aren’t part of a union, you can be fired for anything other than for discriminatory reasons such as religion, race, or age. If you employer doesn’t like you, you are gone. However, unionized workers have the power of the collective behind them. It means they can only be fired for just cause. And, most importantly, it means they can speak out against practices they feel are unsafe or wrong.
A voice. Finally, labor unions can give you a voice, which is such an alien concept to those working in non-union sectors. When people feel they have a voice, you often see a rise in productivity and a lot more dignity and respect in the workplace. It makes a lot of sense. Involvement in health and safety and training means they will work more cooperatively with management.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso
Milo Senalle
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