LABOR UNIONS Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator Herkimer BOCES

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator2 Long ago we stated the reason for labor organizations. We said that union was essential to give laborers opportunity to deal on an equality with their employers. –US Supreme Court

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator3 Can you answer these questions? 1.What is a union? 2.What are the advantages of joining a union? 3.What are the disadvantages of joining a union? 4.Do you have to join a union? 5.What trades/professions are represented by unions?

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator4 What is a labor union? Main Entry: –labor union Function: –noun Date: –1866 an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator5 The National Labor Relations Act Established in 1935 Guarantees non-supervisory employees the rights to: –Organize a union –Choose their own representatives –Bargain collectively for improved working conditions

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator6 Benefits of Labor Unions A binding contract Higher wages Better benefits Greater job security Health and safety Grievance procedures Special member services

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator7 How Do Unions Work? A union –Is a democratic organization of member workers –Provides strength in numbers –Provides worker representation –Negotiates a contract (collective bargaining agreement) –Approves a contract through the vote of its members

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator8 Member Responsibilities Pay periodic dues Elect a slate of officers Vote on contracts Solidarity

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator9 Why join a union? Wage advantage – 30% higher wages Healthcare advantage – 63% greater coverage Pension advantage – 386% greater coverage Disability benefits advantage – 77% greater coverage Paid-time-off advantage – 28% more paid days off **US Dept. of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006**

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator10 Are there disadvantages? Common union complaints include –Cost of dues (most common) –Improper or poor representation –Lack of incentives to membership

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator11 Is union membership required? Depends upon the relationship detailed in the collective bargaining agreement –Open shop – no need to join or pay dues –Agency shop – no need to join, but you will have to pay the same dues as members –Closed shop – membership is required as is payment of dues

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator12 Trades/Professions Represented Actors Airline Pilots Musicians Civil Service Employees Teachers Postal workers Bakers/confectioners

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator13 Trades/Professions Represented (cont’d) Fire Fighters Electrical Workers Painters Engineers Bricklayers Police Nurses Auto workers

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator14 Trades/Professions Represented (cont’d) Sheetmetal workers Writers Mine workers Elevator constructors Railroad workers Corrections officers Communications workers And many, many more!!

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator15 Can you answer these questions now? 1.What is a union? 2.What are the advantages of joining a union? 3.What are the disadvantages of joining a union? 4.Do you have to join a union? 5.What trades/professions are represented by unions?

10/23/2007Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator16 Questions? Anthony Masala (315) ext.3036 Room The Career Tech Center MASALA Assignment: Working in groups of four, answer the questions on the handout. Each member should be prepared to stand and present to the class the answers to each of these questions.