labor unions anthony masala, wbl coordinator herkimer boces
TRANSCRIPT
LABOR UNIONS
Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator
Herkimer BOCES
10/23/2007 Anthony Masala, WBL Coordinator 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
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Can you answer these questions?
1. What is a union?
2. What are the advantages of joining a union?
3. What are the disadvantages of joining a union?
4. Do you have to join a union?
5. What trades/professions are represented by unions?
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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
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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
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Benefits of Labor Unions
• A binding contract• Higher wages• Better benefits• Greater job security
• Health and safety• Grievance procedures• Special member
services
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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
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Member Responsibilities
• Pay periodic dues
• Elect a slate of officers
• Vote on contracts
• Solidarity
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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**
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Are there disadvantages?
• Common union complaints include– Cost of dues (most common)– Improper or poor representation– Lack of incentives to membership
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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
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Trades/Professions Represented• Actors• Airline Pilots• Musicians• Civil Service
Employees• Teachers• Postal workers• Bakers/confectioners
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Trades/Professions Represented(cont’d)
• Fire Fighters• Electrical Workers• Painters• Engineers• Bricklayers• Police• Nurses• Auto workers
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Trades/Professions Represented(cont’d)
• Sheetmetal workers• Writers• Mine workers• Elevator constructors• Railroad workers• Corrections officers• Communications workers• And many, many more!!
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Can you answer these questions now?
1. What is a union?
2. What are the advantages of joining a union?
3. What are the disadvantages of joining a union?
4. Do you have to join a union?
5. What trades/professions are represented by unions?
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Questions?Anthony Masala
(315) 867-2001 ext.3036
Room C20-A @
The Career Tech Center
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.