The Union Difference

Who makes all the decisions at your workplace right now? Unless workers have a union contract, they are at the mercy of company policies.

If you join a union and have a contract:

If your workplace is non-union:
  • Discipline, up to and including discharge, is subject to a grievance procedure and binding arbitration, depending on the terms of your contract.
  • Contract negotiations require both sides — labor and management — to listen, and reach reasonable compromises acceptable to both sides.
  • Wages, benefits and working conditions are negotiated. If you are not satisfied, you can work for changes during contract negotiations.
  • Neither labor nor management can make unilateral changes to a signed contract. If modifications are necessary during the life of a contract, both sides must agree.
  • Hiring and promotion is covered by contract. Seniority and other factors can be written into the agreement.
  • You are an “employee at will.” Your employer can discipline or fire you at any time for any reason; you have no recourse.
  • “Open door” policy means the employer will listen to you… and then do whatever he or she wants.
  • Employer determines wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of work. If you’re not satisfied, your only option is to get another job.
  • Wages, benefits and other terms and conditions can be changed by the employer at any time.
  • Hiring and promotion is up to the discretion of the employer.