William S. Rakonczay Precision Machine Technology Instructor

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 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

10/19/2012William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor 3

1. What is a union? a. An American actress b. an organization of workers who have banded together, often for the purpose of getting better working conditions or pay c. a rock band 2. What are the advantages of joining a union? a. a larger group of the same people have more power than a smaller group b. you get to call in sick more c. you can retire sooner 3. What trades/professions are represented by unions? a. lawyers b. teachers c. doctors 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

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 10/19/2012William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor 5

Established in 1935 Guarantees non-supervisory employees the rights to: Organize a union Choose their own representatives Bargain collectively for improved working conditions 6 10/19/2012William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

10/19/ A binding contract Higher wages Better benefits Greater job security Health and safety Grievance procedures Special member services William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

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 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

Pay periodic dues Elect a slate of officers Vote on contracts Solidarity 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

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** 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

Common union complaints include Cost of dues (most common) Improper or poor representation Lack of incentives to membership 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

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 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

10/19/2012William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor 13 Actors Airline Pilots Musicians Civil Service Employees Teachers Postal workers Bakers/confectioners

Fire Fighters Electrical Workers Painters Engineers Bricklayers Police Nurses Auto workers 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

Sheetmetal workers Writers Mine workers Elevator constructors Railroad workers Corrections officers Communications workers And many, many more!! 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

1. What is a union? a. An American actress b. an organization of workers who have banded together, often for the purpose of getting better working conditions or pay c. a rock band 2. What are the advantages of joining a union? a. a larger group of the same people have more power than a smaller group b. you get to call in sick more c. you can retire sooner 3. What trades/professions are represented by unions? a. lawyers b. teachers c. doctors 10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor

10/19/ William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor Questions? Assignment: Working in groups of three, answer the questions on the handout. One member should be prepared to stand and present to the class the answers to each of these questions.