Educational Tools for the Young Trade Unionists

The Young Trade Unionists have developed some talking points for when you are educating a misinformed person about Local Unions. Underneath you will find a list of questions and answers that you may find helpful.

1. Why would anyone want to join a Union?

When you are in a Union you have a binding contract amongst the Employer/Employee. This binding contract is called a collective bargaining agreement. A collective bargaining agreement is a method of determining wages, hours and other conditions of employment through direct negotiations between the union and the employer. Normally the result of collective bargaining is a written contract which covers all the employees in the bargaining unit. This one tool is what most businesses are afraid to be a part of which is a contract. Everything valuable in life a person has to enter a contract, such as purchasing a home, car, or insurance. So why is it that some businesses afraid to enter a contract with their employees?

2. What have Unions done for the American people?

Unions brought about legislation such as Prevailing Wage, Minimum Wage, OSHA, Unemployment Insurance, Social Security Act, and the 40 hour work week. Most critical legislation that has advanced the middle class was brought to you by the Union Labor Movement.

3. Why do I need a Union when I can bargain a contract myself?

When you bargain by yourself, you could possibly fall short of your expectations or the prevailing wage. When you bargain as a group there is much more strength in numbers and bargaining power.

4. What’s the difference between Union and Non-Union?

It is statistically proven that Union members have better wages, health care, and retirement than Non-Union members. Most Non-Union members would go Union if they had a better education about Unions or did not endure illegal threats from Non-Union Employers.

5. Well I do not want to pay Union Dues?

Union dues are a small down payment for a collective bargaining agreement, respectable wages, affordable health care, dependable retirement package, and a grievance procedure.

6. What is an At-Will employee?

All Non-Union employees are At-Will employees. This means that Non-Union employers can discharge their employees without any reason as long as they are not breaking any federal laws such as race, gender, and age discrimination. Meanwhile Union employees enjoy the advantage of a grievance procedure which only allows discharge for just cause.

7. What is the difference between Union Apprenticeship programs and Non-Union Apprenticeship programs?

Many Non-Union apprenticeship programs charge their students from $10, 000 to $18,000 to attend school. Many Non-Union apprenticeship offer to help you find job placement, but don’t guarantee job placement. Many Non-Union apprenticeships offer 12 to 18 month sessions. Majority of Union apprenticeships are paid for by the agreement amongst the Union/ Contractor. Majority of Union apprenticeships guarantee their apprentices job placement. Majority of Union Apprenticeships are intense learning, so that they are developing the most skilled, dependable, and diverse Journeyman for their trade.

8. What do the Unions have to do with the middle class?

The Unions are who built the middle class and the middle class is how America thrives. The middle class are the people who make good wages and are able to spend to help America keep thriving. Many Non-Union employers try to drive down the wages which only hurts the middle class. When you support Unions, you are making an investment in the middle class and the United States of America.