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LABOR UNIONS
Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator
Herkimer BOCES
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 2
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
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 3
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?
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 4
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
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 5
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
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 6
Benefits of Labor Unions
• A binding contract• Higher wages• Better benefits• Greater job security
• Health and safety• Grievance procedures• Special member
services
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 7
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
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 8
Member Responsibilities
• Pay periodic dues
• Elect a slate of officers
• Vote on contracts
• Solidarity
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 9
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**
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 10
Are there disadvantages?
• Common union complaints include– Cost of dues (most common)– Improper or poor representation– Lack of incentives to membership
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 11
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
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 12
Trades/Professions Represented• Actors• Airline Pilots• Musicians• Civil Service
Employees• Teachers• Postal workers• Bakers/confectioners
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 13
Trades/Professions Represented(cont’d)
• Fire Fighters• Electrical Workers• Painters• Engineers• Bricklayers• Police• Nurses• Auto workers
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 14
Trades/Professions Represented(cont’d)
• Sheetmetal workers• Writers• Mine workers• Elevator constructors• Railroad workers• Corrections officers• Communications workers• And many, many more!!
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 15
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?
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 16
Questions?Anthony Masala
(315) 867-2001 ext.3036
Room C20-A @
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.