Union FAQs

Q. What is a union?
A. A union is collection of workers who form an organization to obtain better benefits, increased pay, respect in the workplace, flexibility, balance between management and employee power, and a voice in deciding how to improve the business.

Q. How do unions form?
A. When a group of workers decide to form a union, they work with a union to help start their own local chapter. After the majority of workers get behind unionization, management can honor this decision. However, many times the workers must ask the government for a fair election. If the employees win the union, they will negotiate an agreement with the employer outlining rights in the workplace.

Q. Does the law protect workers who want to start or join a union?
A. It should, though many employers continue to violate these regulations. For instance, it's against the law to threaten, fire or discriminate against employees who want to join or form a union. Unfortunately, many employers violate these rules and are not reported.

Q. How can unions help me and my family?
A. Unions help employees receive higher pay, better benefits and a voice in the workplace. According to research, union workers make 30% more than non-union workers and are more likely to receive health benefits. For example, in 2007, the median weekly pay for union wage workers was $863, approximately $200 more than non-union employees. Unions can also improve working conditions and expand family and medical leave.

Q. What have unions accomplished?
A. Unions have improved working conditions not only for members, but also for non-union employees. Unions have helped passed laws establishing the eight-hour workday, ending child labor, and helping create unemployment, minimum wage and Social Security.

Q. How much are union dues? What are they used for?
A. Members pay union dues to support the union staff, legal costs, negotiation fees, etc. Most union dues range between $200 to $500 per year, based on the type of industry and the amount of money union members receive.

Q. What is a bargaining unit?
A. A bargaining unit is a group of employees with a clear community of interests who are represented by a labor union in collective bargaining.

Q. What is a union shop?
A. A union shop means that all employees in the bargaining unit must be a part of the union or pay their share for the union's representation services. This gives the union a stronger position when bargaining for benefits for all employees.

Q. What if some employees voted against the union? Is this fair?
A. Unfortunately, if the majority voted for the union, the minority population must live with the decision. It is important to remember that the workers who opposed the union still receive the benefits and protections of the contract.

Q. What is a local?
A. The organization of a union resembles the U.S. government. While there is a national government, most rulings that affect you occur at the state level. In a union, an international organization overlooks national operations. Locals, though, handle contracts, help employees with problems in the workplace, etc.

Q. What does the International accomplish?
A. The International lobbies Congress for changes in laws regarding workplace benefits, conditions and pay; sends help to locals; and manages national organizing efforts.

Q. What happens during a union drive?
A. You will be asked to sign a union card. Once 65% to 75% of the workers in the bargaining unit are signed up, the cards are sent to the National Labor Relations Board. The bargaining unit is then finalized by either the Board or an agreement between the business and the union.

Next, an election will take place, with majority winning the vote. However, before the election is held, the employer and pro-union workers will try to influence employees. Management may send memos or hold mandatory meetings, while pro-union employees may distribute union literature.

Q. Are unions really democratic?
A. The whole union process is democratic. You get to choose whether to sign a card; vote for or against a union; decide what terms should be in the contract; choose which employees will join the negotiating team; vote yes or no to ratifying the contract; and vote on your shop steward. In addition, every three years, you will vote on local officials.