Why Organize? Without a union, you are an “at will” employee. This means that an employer can dismiss and can change an employees pay, pension, wages and benefits without just cause. In a unionized workplace, management is legally required to bargain with the union to provide a fair and equitable legally binding contract. The contract would spell out an employee’s rights, benefits and the due process for addressing grievances.
The employer knows that if there is not a contract, they can change or take away anything they want at any time. Many workers call Teamsters Local 332 wanting to organize to create fairness in the workplace and to gain some control over their work life. The rights, benefits and process for addressing grievances would be included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Facts
- Among full-time wage & salary workers, union workers earn 28% more than those not in a union (an average of $10,348 more per year)
- Union workers receive 159% more in insurance benefits, and 248% more in retirement benefits
- Union workers earn $11.04 more an hour in total compensation (pay and benefits combined)
- Union women earn 33% more than women not in a union
- African Americans who belong to a union earn 29% more than those not in a union (men & women)
- Hispanics who belong to a union earn 54% more than Hispanics not in a union (men & women)
- Unions help decrease employee turnover and increase efficiency
- Only 1% of newly organized companies close
