Union vs. Non-Union....Happy Labor Day!

[Kennesaw Kid]

Union vs.Non-Union

Contract

A legal document that we directly participate in creating that defines hours of work, wages, and other conditions of employment; establishes procedures for the resolution of disputes.

No Contract.

Rules, policies, and practices may be changed at employer's discretion or whim with no input from us

Wages

Union:We negotiate our wages, pay scales, and raises with the employer. Wages are guaranteed and spelled out in our contract.

Non-Union:Employer sets wages, pay scales, and raises, often resulting in arbitrary and unfair compensation

Seniority

Union:A among other things, seniority is used to determine placement o­n wage schedule, layoff procedure, vacation and holiday scheduling, overtime assignments, job bidding, shift scheduling.

Non-Union:At employer's discretion whether or not to use seniority.

Termination
Union:For 'just cause' (i.e., a legitimate reason) o­nly, following progressive discipline.

Non-Union:'At will' employment - anyone can be fired at any time for any reason.

Grievances

Union:Our contract provides a structured, fair procedure for handling disputes in the workplace (things that are in violation of that contract). The final authority would be a third-party arbitrator -
not the employer.

Non-Union:Employer decides whether or not to deal with grievances. Employer also has the final authority o­n how to deal with grievances.

Arbitration

Union:The contract provides for arbitration of grievances, when appropriate, at the union's expense.

Non-Union:Any legal action brought by an employee against employer must be paid for by the employee.
Health/Welfare/

Pension

Union:Benefits negotiated, most often with employer contributions to premiums.

Non-Union:Not required under law. Employer's option.

Vacations, Holidays, Sick Leave,
Leaves of Absence, Etc.

Union:Union employees negotiate all of this with employer.

Non-Union:At employer's discretion, except holidays and leaves mandated by law

Dues

Union:Small portion of entire wages and benefits paid to union for representation and support.

Non-Union:No dues. No bargaining table. No guarantees. No legal representation.

Plain and simple!.......KK