Union And Non-Union Advantages

So far we know the differences between union and non-union workers. We also looked into the advantages and issues faced by unions and non-unions. To look deeper into the union and non-union we will see how the unions protects workers on these aspects such as human rights, living standards, fair salary, working hours, days off, and overtime. In specific a labor union is formed by individuals who have the same interests and they are willing to negotiate to improve their working conditions and achieve benefits. It serves as a medium of communication and negotiation between employees and employers. Labor unions work by forming a group that will have more bargaining pressure on the employer rather than an individual or minority group of individuals.

In one statistics it suggests that the wages of union members are on average 30% higher than those of workers who do not have a union representation. 93% of union workers receive health benefits while only 69% of non-union workers receive health benefits. 77% of union workers have a guaranteed pension, compared to only 17% of non-union workers receive pensions after retirement. From this statistics we can make out the level of benefits that is provided by unions to individuals while non-union workers do not receive. (Workplace Fairness -It's Everyone's Job, n.d.)

Let us look into the aspects that unionized employees benefit from:

• Human rights:

A union can help employees by not making them a victim of exploitation because it takes into account the law as well as the rights that go with it in the workplace. Union members can defend themselves from being exploited, harassed in any kind of way (most common of harassment is sexual harassment that gets reported), or in extreme cases being abused. The union in this case protects employees in a great way by shielding and offering them a team to rely on. (Mishel, 2003)

• Living standards:

With the help of collective bargaining employees can achieve a better living standard that goes hand in hand with a good salary. Standards of life can basically be defined as wealth, comfort, materialistic items and necessities available to group of people operating in socio-economic

They can even pin-point unreasonable working hours. (Mishel, 2003)

• Days off:

A unionized member achieves more days off than a non-unionized worker. This is a benefit that is given to employees. (Mishel, 2003)

• Overtime:

Overtime is given to union members and it will also be paid. So this will make the employees more efficient and they will also be rewarded. (Mishel, 2003)

• Pension Payments:

Pension is an important factor after retirement. Fortunately, as a union member you are eligible of pension payments after retirement which is a great benefit. Also as a matter of fact employers focus on giving the pension plans priority which adds value of the work itself. (Mishel, 2003)

On the other hand, not only members of unions benefit from the benefits received by the unions. Employees benefit as well because they both work hand in hand. The more motivated the employees are, the more productive they will be. Let’s look at how the employer will benefit from employees being in the labor