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LABOR UNIONS

LABOR UNIONS. Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator Herkimer BOCES. 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. Can you answer these questions?.

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LABOR UNIONS

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  1. LABOR UNIONS Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator Herkimer BOCES

  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 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  3. Can you answer these questions? • What is a union? • What are the advantages of joining a union? • What are the disadvantages of joining a union? • Do you have to join a union? • What trades/professions are represented by unions? 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 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 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  6. A binding contract Higher wages Better benefits Greater job security Health and safety Grievance procedures Special member services Benefits of Labor Unions 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 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  8. Member Responsibilities • Pay periodic dues • Elect a slate of officers • Vote on contracts • Solidarity 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** 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 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 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  12. Actors Airline Pilots Musicians Civil Service Employees Teachers Postal workers Bakers/confectioners Trades/Professions Represented Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  13. Trades/Professions Represented(cont’d) • Fire Fighters • Electrical Workers • Painters • Engineers • Bricklayers • Police • Nurses • Auto workers 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!! Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  15. Can you answer these questions now? • What is a union? • What are the advantages of joining a union? • What are the disadvantages of joining a union? • Do you have to join a union? • What trades/professions are represented by unions? Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

  16. Questions? 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. Anthony Masala amasala@herkimer-boces.org (315) 867-2001 ext.3036 Room C20-A @ The Career Tech Center Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator

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