What is a Union?
A union is a group of people working together to advance their interests in the workplace through collective action and collective bargaining.
What difference does a union make?
Being in a union means together we can negotiate with management for a written contract that can cover anything that affects our jobs, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
A union contract is a legally-binding, enforceable document. With a union, we’re in a stronger position to address management and improve our workplaces.
Who runs the union?
We do! The union is a democracy at every level. Together, we elect our negotiating committees, as well as local, district, and international leadership.
Aren’t there already laws that protect us?
Laws governing employment, safety, discrimination and overtime all exist because millions of union members fought for them. Having a union provides additional protections.
A union grievance process is intended to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally, without favoritism and discrimination. A union contract, with the aid of union resources and staff, can help make sure that employers follow existing laws.
What sorts of benefits and protections can we achieve through collective bargaining?
Winning a contract through collective bargaining means having a legally enforceable document that guarantees our conditions of employment. Employers are limited in their ability to make unilateral changes without negotiating with our union.
Here are some examples of the workplace improvements USW members can negotiate:
- Wage increases
- Enhanced dental, vision, and health insurance (including lower co-pays for services and prescriptions)
- Improved family benefits, such as dependent health coverage, child-care subsidies and paid maternity leave
- Vacation and sick leave
- Improved workplace health and safety
- Protections against discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment and assault
- A fair and transparent grievance procedure with independent enforcement through arbitration