Why Are We Unionizing?

Why should we unionize? What do we get out of it?

Simply put, unionizing allows workers to enhance their organizations by strengthening their voice in the workplace. Unionizing allows workers to establish standards for fair and equal treatment around the below items:

a. Collective Bargaining Power: Unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions. By bargaining collectively, workers have more leverage than they would individually, ensuring fair compensation and treatment under the law.

b. Higher Wages and Benefits: Studies consistently show that unionized workers earn higher wages and have better benefits compared to non-unionized workers in similar roles. Unions fight for living wages, healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other essential perks.

c. Job Security: Unions advocate for job security measures such as seniority rights, layoff protections, and grievance procedures. This helps protect workers from arbitrary dismissal and ensures fairer treatment in cases of disciplinary action or layoffs.

d. Work-Life Balance: Through negotiations, unions can secure provisions for reasonable working hours, breaks, and time off, promoting a healthier work-life balance for employees. This can include provisions for paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and flexible scheduling.

d. Legal Protections and Representation: Unions provide legal assistance and representation to workers facing workplace disputes, discrimination, or harassment. They ensure that employees’ rights are protected and advocate for fair treatment under labor laws and regulations.

e. Voice in Decision-Making: Unionized workers have a collective voice in workplace decision-making processes, including policies related to work rules, discipline, promotions, and job assignments. This empowers employees to have a say in matters that affect their working conditions and well-being. This means that the Executive Leadership Team would no longer get to unilaterally make decisions impacting the entire staff.

f. Checks and Balances on Leadership: Unionized organizations provide a critical layer of checks and balances on organizational leadership, ensuring that the entire workforce has a voice in decision making.